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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1a6028c --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #52468 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/52468) diff --git a/old/52468-8.txt b/old/52468-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 8f48874..0000000 --- a/old/52468-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4391 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Lower Depths, by Maksim Gorky - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - -Title: The Lower Depths - A Drama in Four Acts - -Author: Maksim Gorky - -Contributor: Oliver M. Sayler - -Translator: Jenny Covan - -Release Date: July 1, 2016 [EBook #52468] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LOWER DEPTHS *** - - - - -Produced by Paul Haxo with special thanks to the Internet -Archive and the University of Connecticut. - - - - - -THE LOWER DEPTHS -BY -MAXIM GORKY - - - -[Frontispiece: A SCENE IN ACT I OF MAXIM GORKY'S MASTERPIECE, "THE -LOWER DEPTHS," AT THE MOSCOW ART THEATRE. STANISLAVSKY IN THE RÔLE OF -SATINE SITS ON THE TABLE] - - - -THE MOSCOW ART THEATRE -SERIES OF RUSSIAN PLAYS ------------------------ -_Edited by_ OLIVER M. SAYLER - -THE -LOWER DEPTHS - -_A DRAMA IN FOUR ACTS_ - -BY -MAXIM GORKY - -_English translation by_ -JENNY COVAN - -NEW YORK -BRENTANOS -PUBLISHERS - - - -COPYRIGHT, 1922, BY MORRIS GEST -All rights reserved - - - -INTRODUCTION - -_De profundis ad te clamavi._ In this phrase, with his penchant for -epitome, the late James Huneker summarized the masterpiece of Russia's -single living master of the drama, Maxim Gorky, as he saw it in Berlin -under the German title of "Nachtasyl" or "Night Lodging." "Na Dnye" is -the Russian--literally "On the Bottom." Partly because "The Lower -Depths" is a more faithful rendering of the original than "Night -Lodging" and partly because it implies so vividly the play's keynote -as the shrewd Huneker detected it beneath a guise alien to both -Russian and English, the title adopted by Laurence Irving for the -British version has been preferred for its introduction to American -audiences by the company which discovered it and first set it on its -stage in Moscow, December 31 (our calendar), 1902. - -In "The Lower Depths" more than in any other single play throughout -its history, the Moscow Art Theatre concentrates its dramatic ideals -and methods, its esthetic theory and practice, and through the -production of this play it most emphatically justifies its artistic -faith in spiritual or psychological realism as a dramatic medium of -expression. The plays of Tchekhoff, of course, serve the same ends, -but no single one of them does so quite as richly as does Gorky's -masterpiece. At the hands of Stanislavsky and his associates, "The -Lower Depths" draws much of its convincing power from its unusual use -of and dependence on the channels of expression which are peculiar to -the art of the theatre. It is almost wholly independent of drama as -literature. Less than any play I know, is it possible to imagine its -potential effect in the theatre from a reading of its printed lines. -In my book, "The Russian Theatre," I have thus analyzed this factor: - -"'The Lower Depths' is not so much a matter of utterable line and -recountable gesture as it is of the intangible flow of human souls in -endlessly shifting contact with one another. Awkward but eloquent -pauses and emphases, the scarcely perceptible stress or dulling of -word or gesture, the nuances and the shadings of which life is mostly -made and by which it reveals its meaning--these, and the instinctive -understanding of the vision of the playwright by those who seek to -interpret him, are the incalculable and unrecordable channels through -which 'The Lower Depths' becomes articulate at the Moscow Art -Theatre." - -Just as this theatre discovered or, rather, rescued Tchekhoff as a -dramatist, so it first stood sponsor for the author of "Foma -Gordeyeff" as a playwright. During the first half of the season of -1902-1903, two of his plays were produced--"Smug Citizens" and "The -Lower Depths." The latter was recognized at once as a work of supreme -merit and moment. Tchekhoff himself had written to its youthful author -five months before its premičre: "I have read your play. It is new and -unmistakably fine. The second act is very good, it is the best, the -strongest, and when I was reading it, especially the end, I almost -danced with joy." At the premičre, the rival dramatist's verdict was -publicly ratified, for Gorky was called before the curtain twenty -times, and the press was unanimously enthusiastic. The play has held -its place in the repertory of the Moscow Art Theatre ever since, and -eight of its most important rôles are still played by those who -created them, just two decades ago. - -Miss Covan's translation of this play, I believe, deserves particular -attention. There have been numerous translations, differing only in -the nature of their ineptitude. Here for the first time, the vigor, -the virility, the humanity and the humor of the original survive the -transfer from the Russian tongue to our own, without mysterious and -vaguely symbolic "meanings" gratuitously appended. As nearly as it is -possible with printed words to convey the impression which Gorky -desires and obtains through the intangible media of the living stage, -the following version succeeds. I realized for the first time, as I -read it, that the overwhelming impression of the play at the hands of -the Moscow Art Theatre is due as much to the genius of the playwright -as to that of his interpreters. - -THE EDITOR. - - - -CAST OF CHARACTERS. - -MIKHAIL IVANOFF KOSTILYOFF--_Keeper of a night lodging._ - -VASSILISA KARPOVNA--_His wife._ - -NATASHA--_Her sister._ - -MIEDVIEDIEFF--_Her uncle, a policeman._ - -VASKA PEPEL--_A young thief._ - -ANDREI MITRITCH KLESHTCH--_A locksmith._ - -ANNA--_His wife._ - -NASTYA--_A street-walker._ - -KVASHNYA--_A vendor of meat-pies._ - -BUBNOFF--_A cap-maker._ - -THE BARON. - -SATINE. - -THE ACTOR. - -LUKA--_A pilgrim._ - -ALYOSHKA--_A shoemaker._ - -KRIVOY ZOB } - } _Porters._ -THE TARTAR } - -NIGHT LODGERS, TRAMPS AND OTHERS. - -The action takes place in a Night Lodging and in "The Waste," an area -in its rear. - - - -ACT ONE. - -_A cellar resembling a cave. The ceiling, which merges into stone -walls, is low and grimy, and the plaster and paint are peeling off. -There is a window, high up on the right wall, from which comes the -light. The right corner, which constitutes Pepel's room, is -partitioned off by thin boards. Close to the corner of this room is -Bubnoff's wooden bunk. In the left corner stands a large Russian -stove. In the stone wall, left, is a door leading to the kitchen where -live Kvashnya, the Baron, and Nastya. Against the wall, between the -stove and the door, is a large bed covered with dirty chintz. Bunks -line the walls. In the foreground, by the left wall, is a block of -wood with a vise and a small anvil fastened to it, and another smaller -block of wood somewhat further towards the back. Kleshtch is seated on -the smaller block, trying keys into old locks. At his feet are two -large bundles of various keys, wired together, also a battered tin -samovar, a hammer, and pincers. In the centre are a large table, two -benches, and a stool, all of which are of dirty, unpainted wood. -Behind the table Kvashnya is busying herself with the samovar. The -Baron sits chewing a piece of black bread, and Nastya occupies the -stool, leans her elbows on the table, and reads a tattered book. In -the bed, behind curtains, Anna lies coughing. Bubnoff is seated on his -bunk, attempting to shape a pair of old trousers with the help of an -ancient hat shape which he holds between his knees. Scattered about -him are pieces of buckram, oilcloth, and rags. Satine, just awakened, -lies in his bunk, grunting. On top of the stove, the Actor, invisible -to the audience, tosses about and coughs._ - -_It is an early spring morning._ - -THE BARON. And then? - -KVASHNYA. No, my dear, said I, keep away from me with such proposals. -I've been through it all, you see--and not for a hundred baked -lobsters would I marry again! - -BUBNOFF [_to Satine_] What are you grunting about? [_Satine keeps on -grunting_] - -KVASHNYA. Why should I, said I, a free woman, my own mistress, enter -my name into somebody else's passport and sell myself into -slavery--no! Why--I wouldn't marry a man even if he were an American -prince! - -KLESHTCH. You lie! - -KVASHNYA. Wha-at? - -KLESHTCH. You lie! You're going to marry Abramka. . . . - -THE BARON [_snatching the book out of Nastya's hand and reading the -title_] "Fatal Love" . . . [_Laughs_] - -NASTYA [_stretching out her hand_] Give it back--give it back! Stop -fooling! - -[_The Baron looks at her and waves the book in the air_] - -KVASHNYA [_to Kleshtch_] You crimson goat, you--calling me a liar! How -dare you be so rude to me? - -THE BARON [_hitting Nastya on the head with the book_] Nastya, you -little fool! - -NASTYA [_reaching for the book_] Give it back! - -KLESHTCH. Oh--what a great lady . . . but you'll marry Abramka just -the same--that's all you're waiting for . . . - -KVASHNYA. Sure! Anything else? You nearly beat your wife to death! - -KLESHTCH. Shut up, you old bitch! It's none of your business! - -KVASHNYA. Ho-ho! can't stand the truth, can you? - -THE BARON. They're off again! Nastya, where are you? - -NASTYA [_without lifting her head_] Hey--go away! - -ANNA [_putting her head through the curtains_] The day has started. -For God's sake, don't row! - -KLESHTCH. Whining again! - -ANNA. Every blessed day . . . let me die in peace, can't you? - -BUBNOFF. Noise won't keep you from dying. - -KVASHNYA [_walking up to Anna_] Little mother, how did you ever manage -to live with this wretch? - -ANNA. Leave me alone--get away from me. . . . - -KVASHNYA. Well, well! You poor soul . . . how's the pain in the -chest--any better? - -THE BARON. Kvashnya! Time to go to market. . . . - -KVASHNYA. We'll go presently. [_To Anna_] Like some hot dumplings? - -ANNA. No, thanks. Why should I eat? - -KVASHNYA. You must eat. Hot food--good for you! I'll leave you some in -a cup. Eat them when you feel like it. Come on, sir! [_To Kleshtch_] -You evil spirit! [_Goes into kitchen_] - -ANNA [_coughing_] Lord, Lord . . . - -THE BARON [_painfully pushing forward Nastya's head_] Throw it -away--little fool! - -NASTYA [_muttering_] Leave me alone--I don't bother you . . . - -[_The Baron follows Kvashnya, whistling._] - -SATINE [_sitting up in his bunk_] Who beat me up yesterday? - -BUBNOFF. Does it make any difference who? - -SATINE. Suppose they did--but why did they? - -BUBNOFF. Were you playing cards? - -SATINE. Yes! - -BUBNOFF. That's why they beat you. - -SATINE. Scoundrels! - -THE ACTOR [_raising his head from the top of the stove_] One of these -days they'll beat you to death! - -SATINE. You're a jackass! - -THE ACTOR. Why? - -SATINE. Because a man can die only once! - -THE ACTOR [_after a silence_] I don't understand-- - -KLESHTCH. Say! You crawl from that stove--and start cleaning house! -Don't play the delicate primrose! - -THE ACTOR. None of your business! - -KLESHTCH. Wait till Vassilisa comes--she'll show you whose business it -is! - -THE ACTOR. To hell with Vassilisa! To-day is the Baron's turn to -clean. . . . Baron! - -[_The Baron comes from the kitchen._] - -THE BARON. I've no time to clean . . . I'm going to market with -Kvashnya. - -THE ACTOR. That doesn't concern me. Go to the gallows if you like. -It's your turn to sweep the floor just the same--I'm not going to do -other people's work . . . - -THE BARON. Go to blazes! Nastya will do it. Hey there--fatal love! -Wake up! [_Takes the book away from Nastya_] - -NASTYA [_getting up_] What do you want? Give it back to me! You -scoundrel! And that's a nobleman for you! - -THE BARON [_returning the book to her_] Nastya! Sweep the floor for -me--will you? - -NASTYA [_goes to kitchen_] Not so's you'll notice it! - -KVASHNYA [_to the Baron through kitchen door_] Come on--you! They -don't need you! Actor! You were asked to do it, and now you go ahead -and attend to it--it won't kill you . . . - -THE ACTOR. It's always I . . . I don't understand why. . . . - -[_The Baron comes from the kitchen, across his shoulders a wooden beam -from which hang earthen pots covered with rags._] - -THE BARON. Heavier than ever! - -SATINE. It paid you to be born a Baron, eh? - -KVASHNYA [_to Actor_] See to it that you sweep up! [_Crosses to outer -door, letting the Baron pass ahead_] - -THE ACTOR [_climbing down from the stove_] It's bad for me to inhale -dust. [_With pride_] My organism is poisoned with alcohol. [_Sits down -on a bunk, meditating_] - -SATINE. Organism--organon. . . . - -ANNA. Andrei Mitritch. . . . - -KLESHTCH. What now? - -ANNA. Kvashnya left me some dumplings over there--you eat them! - -KLESHTCH [_coming over to her_] And you--don't you want any? - -ANNA. No. Why should I eat? You're a workman--you need it. - -KLESHTCH. Frightened, are you? Don't be! You'll get all right! - -ANNA. Go and eat! It's hard on me. . . . I suppose very soon . . . - -KLESHTCH [_walking away_] Never mind--maybe you'll get well--you can -never tell! [_Goes into kitchen_] - -THE ACTOR [_loud, as if he had suddenly awakened_] Yesterday the -doctor in the hospital said to me: "Your organism," he said, "is -entirely poisoned with alcohol . . ." - -SATINE [_smiling_] Organon . . . - -THE ACTOR [_stubbornly_] Not organon--organism! - -SATINE. Sibylline. . . . - -THE ACTOR [_shaking his fist at him_] Nonsense! I'm telling you -seriously . . . if the organism is poisoned . . . that means it's bad -for me to sweep the floor--to inhale the dust . . . - -SATINE. Macrobistic . . . hah! - -BUBNOFF. What are you muttering? - -SATINE. Words--and here's another one for you--transcendentalistic -. . . - -BUBNOFF. What does it mean? - -SATINE. Don't know--I forgot . . . - -BUBNOFF. Then why did you say it? - -SATINE. Just so! I'm bored, brother, with human words--all our words. -Bored! I've heard each one of them a thousand times surely. - -THE ACTOR. In Hamlet they say: "Words, words, words!" It's a good -play. I played the grave-digger in it once. . . . - -[_Kleshtch comes from the kitchen._] - -KLESHTCH. Will you start playing with the broom? - -THE ACTOR. None of your business. [_Striking his chest_] Ophelia! -O--remember me in thy prayers! - -[_Back stage is heard a dull murmur, cries, and a police whistle. -Kleshtch sits down to work, filing screechily._] - -SATINE. I love unintelligible, obsolete words. When I was a -youngster--and worked as a telegraph operator--I read heaps of books. -. . . - -BUBNOFF. Were you really a telegrapher? - -SATINE. I was. There are some excellent books--and lots of curious -words . . . Once I was an educated man, do you know? - -BUBNOFF. I've heard it a hundred times. Well, so you were! That isn't -very important! Me--well--once I was a furrier. I had my own -shop--what with dyeing the fur all day long, my arms were yellow up to -the elbows, brother. I thought I'd never be able ever to get clean -again--that I'd go to my grave, all yellow! But look at my hands -now--they're plain dirty--that's what! - -SATINE. Well, and what then? - -BUBNOFF. That's all! - -SATINE. What are you trying to prove? - -BUBNOFF. Oh, well--just matching thoughts--no matter how much dye you -get on yourself, it all comes off in the end--yes, yes-- - -SATINE. Oh--my bones ache! - -THE ACTOR [_sits, nursing his knees_] Education is all rot. Talent is -the thing. I knew an actor--who read his parts by heart, syllable by -syllable--but he played heroes in a way that . . . why--the whole -theatre would rock with ecstasy! - -SATINE. Bubnoff, give me five kopecks. - -BUBNOFF. I only have two-- - -THE ACTOR. I say--talent, that's what you need to play heroes. And -talent is nothing but faith in yourself, in your own powers-- - -SATINE. Give me five kopecks and I'll have faith that you're a hero, a -crocodile, or a police inspector--Kleshtch, give me five kopecks. - -KLESHTCH. Go to hell! All of you! - -SATINE. What are you cursing for? I know you haven't a kopeck in the -world! - -ANNA. Andrei Mitritch--I'm suffocating--I can't breathe-- - -KLESHTCH. What shall I do? - -BUBNOFF. Open the door into the hall. - -KLESHTCH. All right. You're sitting on the bunk, I on the floor. You -change places with me, and I'll let you open the door. I have a cold -as it is. - -BUBNOFF [_unconcernedly_] I don't care if you open the door--it's your -wife who's asking-- - -KLESHTCH [_morosely_] I don't care who's asking-- - -SATINE. My head buzzes--ah--why do people have to hit each other over -the heads? - -BUBNOFF. They don't only hit you over the head, but over the rest of -the body as well. [_Rises_] I must go and buy some thread--our bosses -are late to-day--seems as if they've croaked. [_Exit_] - -[_Anna coughs; Satine is lying down motionless, his hands folded -behind his head._] - -THE ACTOR [_looks about him morosely, then goes to Anna_] Feeling bad, -eh? - -ANNA. I'm choking-- - -THE ACTOR. If you wish, I'll take you into the hallway. Get up, then, -come! [_He helps her to rise, wraps some sort of a rag about her -shoulders, and supports her toward the hall_] It isn't easy. I'm sick -myself--poisoned with alcohol . . . - -[_Kostilyoff appears in the doorway._] - -KOSTILYOFF. Going for a stroll? What a nice couple--the gallant -cavalier and the lady fair! - -THE ACTOR. Step aside, you--don't you see that we're invalids? - -KOSTILYOFF. Pass on, please! [_Hums a religious tune, glances about -him suspiciously, and bends his head to the left as if listening to -what is happening in Pepel's room. Kleshtch is jangling his keys and -scraping away with his file, and looks askance at the other_] Filing? - -KLESHTCH. What? - -KOSTILYOFF. I say, are you filing? [_Pause_] What did I want to ask? -[_Quick and low_] Hasn't my wife been here? - -KLESHTCH. I didn't see her. - -KOSTILYOFF [_carefully moving toward Pepel's room_] You take up a -whole lot of room for your two rubles a month. The bed--and your -bench--yes--you take up five rubles' worth of space, so help me God! -I'll have to put another half ruble to your rent-- - -KLESHTCH. You'll put a noose around my neck and choke me . . . you'll -croak soon enough, and still all you think of is half rubles-- - -KOSTILYOFF. Why should I choke you? What would be the use? God be with -you--live and prosper! But I'll have to raise you half a ruble--I'll -buy oil for the ikon lamp, and my offering will atone for my sins, and -for yours as well. You don't think much of your sins--not much! Oh, -Andrushka, you're a wicked man! Your wife is dying because of your -wickedness--no one loves you, no one respects you--your work is -squeaky, jarring on every one. - -KLESHTCH [_shouts_] What do you come here for--just to annoy me? - -[_Satine grunts loudly._] - -KOSTILYOFF [_with a start_] God, what a noise! - -[_The Actor enters._] - -THE ACTOR. I've put her down in the hall and wrapped her up. - -KOSTILYOFF. You're a kindly fellow. That's good. Some day you'll be -rewarded for it. - -THE ACTOR. When? - -KOSTILYOFF. In the Beyond, little brother--there all our deeds will be -reckoned up. - -THE ACTOR. Suppose you reward me right now? - -KOSTILYOFF. How can I do that? - -THE ACTOR. Wipe out half my debt. - -KOSTILYOFF. He-ho! You're always jesting, darling--always poking fun -. . . can kindliness of heart be repaid with gold? Kindliness--it's -above all other qualities. But your debt to me--remains a debt. And so -you'll have to pay me back. You ought to be kind to me, an old man, -without seeking for reward! - -THE ACTOR. You're a swindler, old man! [_Goes into kitchen_] - -[_Kleshtch rises and goes into the hall._] - -KOSTILYOFF [_to Satine_] See that squeaker--? He ran away--he doesn't -like me! - -SATINE. Does anybody like you besides the Devil? - -KOSTILYOFF [_laughing_] Oh--you're so quarrelsome! But I like you -all--I understand you all, my unfortunate down-trodden, useless -brethren . . . [_Suddenly, rapidly_] Is Vaska home? - -SATINE. See for yourself-- - -KOSTILYOFF [_goes to the door and knocks_] Vaska! - -[_The Actor appears at the kitchen door, chewing something._] - -PEPEL. Who is it? - -KOSTILYOFF. It's I--I, Vaska! - -PEPEL. What do you want? - -KOSTILYOFF [_stepping aside_] Open! - -SATINE [_without looking at Kostilyoff_] He'll open--and she's there-- - -[_The Actor makes a grimace._] - -KOSTILYOFF [_in a low, anxious tone_] Eh? Who's there? What? - -SATINE. Speaking to me? - -KOSTILYOFF. What did you say? - -SATINE. Oh--nothing--I was just talking to myself-- - -KOSTILYOFF. Take care, brother. Don't carry your joking too far! -[_Knocks loudly at door_] Vassily! - -PEPEL [_opening door_] Well? What are you disturbing me for? - -KOSTILYOFF [_peering into room_] I--you see-- - -PEPEL. Did you bring the money? - -KOSTILYOFF. I've something to tell you-- - -PEPEL. Did you bring the money? - -KOSTILYOFF. What money? Wait-- - -PEPEL. Why--the seven rubles for the watch--well? - -KOSTILYOFF. What watch, Vaska? Oh, you-- - -PEPEL. Look here. Yesterday, before witnesses, I sold you a watch for -ten rubles, you gave me three--now let me have the other seven. What -are you blinking for? You hang around here--you disturb people--and -don't seem to know yourself what you're after. - -KOSTILYOFF. Sh-sh! Don't be angry, Vaska. The watch--it is-- - -SATINE. Stolen! - -KOSTILYOFF [_sternly_] I do not accept stolen goods--how can you -imagine-- - -PEPEL [_taking him by the shoulder_] What did you disturb me for? What -do you want? - -KOSTILYOFF. I don't want--anything. I'll go--if you're in such a -state-- - -PEPEL. Be off, and bring the money! - -KOSTILYOFF. What ruffians! I--I--[_Exit_] - -THE ACTOR. What a farce! - -SATINE. That's fine--I like it. - -PEPEL. What did he come here for? - -SATINE [_laughing_] Don't you understand? He's looking for his wife. -Why don't you beat him up once and for all, Vaska? - -PEPEL. Why should I let such trash interfere with my life? - -SATINE. Show some brains! And then you can marry Vassilisa--and become -our boss-- - -PEPEL. Heavenly bliss! And you'd smash up my household and, because -I'm a soft-hearted fool, you'll drink up everything I possess. [_Sits -on a bunk_] Old devil--woke me up--I was having such a pleasant dream. -I dreamed I was fishing--and I caught an enormous trout--such a trout -as you only see in dreams! I was playing him--and I was so afraid the -line would snap. I had just got out the gaff--and I thought to -myself--in a moment-- - -SATINE. It wasn't a trout, it was Vassilisa-- - -THE ACTOR. He caught Vassilisa a long time ago. - -PEPEL [_angrily_] You can all go to the devil--and Vassilisa with -you-- - -[_Kleshtch comes from the hall._] - -KLESHTCH. Devilishly cold! - -THE ACTOR. Why didn't you bring Anna back? She'll freeze, out there-- - -KLESHTCH. Natasha took her into the kitchen-- - -THE ACTOR. The old man will kick her out-- - -KLESHTCH [_sitting down to his work_] Well--Natasha will bring her in -here-- - -SATINE. Vassily--give me five kopecks! - -THE ACTOR [_to Satine_] Oh, you--always five kopecks--Vassya--give us -twenty kopecks-- - -PEPEL. I'd better give it to them now before they ask for a ruble. -Here you are! - -SATINE. Gibraltar! There are no kindlier people in the world than -thieves! - -KLESHTCH [_morosely_] They earn their money easily--they don't work-- - -SATINE. Many earn it easily, but not many part with it so easily. -Work? Make work pleasant--and maybe I'll work too. Yes--maybe. When -work's a pleasure, life's, too. When it's toil, then life is a drudge. -[_To the Actor_] You, Sardanapalus! Come on! - -THE ACTOR. Let's go, Nebuchadnezzar! I'll get as drunk as forty -thousand topers! - -[_They leave._] - -PEPEL [_yawning_] Well, how's your wife? - -KLESHTCH. It seems as if soon--[_Pause._] - -PEPEL. Now I look at you--seems to me all that filing and scraping of -yours is useless. - -KLESHTCH. Well--what else can I do? - -PEPEL. Nothing. - -KLESHTCH. How can I live? - -PEPEL. People manage, somehow. - -KLESHTCH. Them? Call them people? Muck and dregs--that's what they -are! I'm a workman--I'm ashamed even to look at them. I've slaved -since I was a child. . . . D'you think I shan't be able to tear myself -away from here? I'll crawl out of here, even if I have to leave my -skin behind--but crawl out I will! Just wait . . . my wife'll die -. . . I've lived here six months, and it seems like six years. - -PEPEL. Nobody here's any worse off than you . . . say what you -like . . . - -KLESHTCH. No worse is right. They've neither honor nor conscience. - -PEPEL [_indifferently_] What good does it do--honor or conscience? Can -you get them on their feet instead of on their uppers--through honor -and conscience? Honor and conscience are needed only by those who have -power and energy . . . - -BUBNOFF [_coming back_] Oh--I'm frozen . . . - -PEPEL. Bubnoff! Got a conscience? - -BUBNOFF. What? A conscience? - -PEPEL. Exactly! - -BUBNOFF. What do I need a conscience for? I'm not rich. - -PEPEL. Just what I said: honor and conscience are for the rich--right! -And Kleshtch is upbraiding us because we haven't any! - -BUBNOFF. Why--did he want to borrow some of it? - -PEPEL. No--he has plenty of his own . . . - -BUBNOFF. Oh--are you selling it? You won't sell much around here. But -if you had some old boxes, I'd buy them--on credit . . . - -PEPEL [_didactically_] You're a jackass, Andrushka! On the subject of -conscience you ought to hear Satine--or the Baron . . . - -KLESHTCH. I've nothing to talk to them about! - -PEPEL. They have more brains than you--even if they're drunkards . . . - -BUBNOFF. He who can be drunk and wise at the same time is doubly -blessed . . . - -PEPEL. Satine says every man expects his neighbor to have a -conscience, but--you see--it isn't to any one's advantage to have -one--that's a fact. - -[_Natasha enters, followed by Luka who carries a stick in his hand, a -bundle on his back, a kettle and a teapot slung from his belt._] - -LUKA. How are you, honest folks? - -PEPEL [_twisting his mustache_] Aha--Natasha! - -BUBNOFF [_to Luka_] I was honest--up to spring before last. - -NATASHA. Here's a new lodger . . . - -LUKA. Oh, it's all the same to me. Crooks--I don't mind them, either. -For my part there's no bad flea--they're all black--and they all -jump-- . . . Well, dearie, show me where I can stow myself. - -NATASHA [_pointing to kitchen door_] Go in there, grand-dad. - -LUKA. Thanks, girlie! One place is like another--as long as an old -fellow keeps warm, he keeps happy . . . - -PEPEL. What an amusing old codger you brought in, Natasha! - -NATASHA. A hanged sight more interesting than you! . . . Andrei, your -wife's in the kitchen with us--come and fetch her after a while . . . - -KLESHTCH. All right--I will . . . - -NATASHA. And be a little more kind to her--you know she won't last -much longer. - -KLESHTCH. I know . . . - -NATASHA. Knowing won't do any good--it's terrible--dying--don't you -understand? - -PEPEL. Well--look at me--I'm not afraid . . . - -NATASHA. Oh--you're a wonder, aren't you? - -BUBNOFF [_whistling_] Oh--this thread's rotten . . . - -PEPEL. Honestly, I'm not afraid! I'm ready to die right now. Knife me -to the heart--and I'll die without making a sound . . . even -gladly--from such a pure hand . . . - -NATASHA [_going out_] Spin that yarn for some one else! - -BUBNOFF. Oh--that thread is rotten--rotten-- - -NATASHA [_at hallway door_] Don't forget your wife, Andrei! - -KLESHTCH. All right. - -PEPEL. She's a wonderful girl! - -BUBNOFF. She's all right. - -PEPEL. What makes her so curt with me? Anyway--she'll come to no good -here . . . - -BUBNOFF. Through you--sure! - -PEPEL. Why through me? I feel sorry for her . . . - -BUBNOFF. As the wolf for the lamb! - -PEPEL. You lie! I feel very sorry for her . . . very . . . very sorry! -She has a tough life here--I can see that . . . - -KLESHTCH. Just wait till Vassilisa catches you talking to her! - -BUBNOFF. Vassilisa? She won't give up so easily what belongs to -her--she's a cruel woman! - -PEPEL [_stretching himself on the bunk_] You two prophets can go to -hell! - -KLESHTCH. Just wait--you'll see! - -LUKA [_singing in the kitchen_] "In the dark of the night the way is -black . . ." - -KLESHTCH. Another one who yelps! - -PEPEL. It's dreary! Why do I feel so dreary? You live--and everything -seems all right. But suddenly a cold chill goes through you--and then -everything gets dreary . . . - -BUBNOFF. Dreary? Hm-hm-- - -PEPEL. Yes--yes-- - -LUKA [_sings_] "The way is black . . ." - -PEPEL. Old fellow! Hey there! - -LUKA [_looking from kitchen door_] You call me? - -PEPEL. Yes. Don't sing! - -LUKA [_coming in_] You don't like it? - -PEPEL. When people sing well I like it-- - -LUKA. In other words--I don't sing well? - -PEPEL. Evidently! - -LUKA. Well, well--and I thought I sang well. That's always the way: a -man imagines there's one thing he can do well, and suddenly he finds -out that other people don't think so . . . - -PEPEL [_laughs_] That's right . . . - -BUBNOFF. First you say you feel dreary--and then you laugh! - -PEPEL. None of your business, raven! - -LUKA. Who do they say feels dreary? - -PEPEL. I do. - -[_The Baron enters._] - -LUKA. Well, well--out there in the kitchen there's a girl reading and -crying! That's so! Her eyes are wet with tears . . . I say to her: -"What's the matter, darling?" And she says: "It's so sad!" "What's so -sad?" say I. "The book!" says she.--And that's how people spend their -time. Just because they're bored . . . - -THE BARON. She's a fool! - -PEPEL. Have you had tea, Baron? - -THE BARON. Yes. Go on! - -PEPEL. Well--want me to open a bottle? - -THE BARON. Of course. Go on! - -PEPEL. Drop on all fours, and bark like a dog! - -THE BARON. Fool! What's the matter with you? Are you drunk? - -PEPEL. Go on--bark a little! It'll amuse me. You're an aristocrat. You -didn't even consider us human formerly, did you? - -THE BARON. Go on! - -PEPEL. Well--and now I am making you bark like a dog--and you will -bark, won't you? - -THE BARON. All right. I will. You jackass! What pleasure can you -derive from it since I myself know that I have sunk almost lower than -you. You should have made me drop on all fours in the days when I was -still above you. - -BUBNOFF. That's right . . . - -LUKA. I say so, too! - -BUBNOFF. What's over, is over. Remain only trivialities. We know no -class distinctions here. We've shed all pride and self-respect. Blood -and bone--man--just plain man--that's what we are! - -LUKA. In other words, we're all equal . . . and you, friend, were you -really a Baron? - -THE BARON. Who are you? A ghost? - -LUKA [_laughing_] I've seen counts and princes in my day--this is the -first time I meet a baron--and one who's decaying--at that! - -PEPEL [_laughing_] Baron, I blush for you! - -THE BARON. It's time you knew better, Vassily . . . - -LUKA. Hey-hey--I look at you, brothers--the life you're leading . . . - -BUBNOFF. Such a life! As soon as the sun rises, our voices rise, -too--in quarrels! - -THE BARON. We've all seen better days--yes! I used to wake up in the -morning and drink my coffee in bed--coffee--with cream! Yes-- - -LUKA. And yet we're all human beings. Pretend all you want to, put on -all the airs you wish, but man you were born, and man you must die. -And as I watch I see that the wiser people get, the busier they -get--and though from bad to worse, they still strive to -improve--stubbornly-- - -THE BARON. Who are you, old fellow? Where do you come from? - -LUKA. I? - -THE BARON. Are you a tramp? - -LUKA. We're all of us tramps--why--I've heard said that the very earth -we walk on is nothing but a tramp in the universe. - -THE BARON [_severely_] Perhaps. But have you a passport? - -LUKA [_after a short pause_] And what are you--a police inspector? - -PEPEL [_delighted_] You scored, old fellow! Well, Barosha, you got it -this time! - -BUBNOFF. Yes--our little aristocrat got his! - -THE BARON [_embarrassed_] What's the matter? I was only joking, old -man. Why, brother, I haven't a passport, either. - -BUBNOFF. You lie! - -THE BARON. Oh--well--I have some sort of papers--but they have no -value-- - -LUKA. They're papers just the same--and no papers are any good-- - -PEPEL. Baron--come on to the saloon with me-- - -THE BARON. I'm ready. Good-bye, old man--you old scamp-- - -LUKA. Maybe I am one, brother-- - -PEPEL [_near doorway_] Come on--come on! - -[_Leaves, Baron following him quickly._] - -LUKA. Was he really once a Baron? - -BUBNOFF. Who knows? A gentleman--? Yes. That much he's even now. -Occasionally it sticks out. He never got rid of the habit. - -LUKA. Nobility is like small-pox. A man may get over it--but it leaves -marks . . . - -BUBNOFF. He's all right all the same--occasionally he kicks--as he did -about your passport . . . - -[_Alyoshka comes in, slightly drunk, with a concertina in his hand, -whistling._] - -ALYOSHKA. Hey there, lodgers! - -BUBNOFF. What are you yelling for? - -ALYOSHKA. Excuse me--I beg your pardon! I'm a well-bred man-- - -BUBNOFF. On a spree again? - -ALYOSHKA. Right you are! A moment ago Medyakin, the precinct captain, -threw me out of the police station and said: "Look here--I don't want -as much as a smell of you to stay in the streets--d'you hear?" I'm a -man of principles, and the boss croaks at me--and what's a boss -anyway--pah!--it's all bosh--the boss is a drunkard. I don't make any -demands on life. I want nothing--that's all. Offer me one ruble, offer -me twenty--it doesn't affect me. [_Nastya comes from the kitchen_] -Offer me a million--I won't take it! And to think that I, a -respectable man, should be ordered about by a pal of mine--and he a -drunkard! I won't have it--I won't! - -[_Nastya stands in the doorway, shaking her head at Alyoshka._] - -LUKA [_good-naturedly_] Well, boy, you're a bit confused-- - -BUBNOFF. Aren't men fools! - -ALYOSHKA [_stretches out on the floor_] Here, eat me up alive--and I -don't want anything. I'm a desperate man. Show me one better! Why am I -worse than others? There! Medyakin said: "If you show yourself on the -streets I smash your face!" And yet I shall go out--I'll go--and -stretch out in the middle of the street--let them choke me--I don't -want a thing! - -NASTYA. Poor fellow--only a boy--and he's already putting on such -airs-- - -ALYOSHKA [_kneeling before her_] Lady! Mademoiselle! _Parlez -français--? Prix courrant?_ I'm on a spree-- - -NASTYA [_in a loud whisper_] Vassilisa! - -VASSILISA [_opens door quickly; to Alyoshka_] You here again? - -ALYOSHKA. How do you do--? Come in--you're welcome-- - -VASSILISA. I told you, young puppy, that not a shadow of you should -stick around here--and you're back--eh? - -ALYOSHKA. Vassilisa Karpovna . . . shall I tune up a funeral march for -you? - -VASSILISA [_seizing him by the shoulders_] Get out! - -ALYOSHKA [_moving towards the door_] Wait--you can't put me out this -way! I learned this funeral march a little while ago! It's refreshing -music . . . wait--you can't put me out like that! - -VASSILISA. I'll show whether I can or not. I'll rouse the whole street -against you--you foul-mouthed creature--you're too young to bark about -me-- - -ALYOSHKA [_running out_] All right--I'll go-- - -VASSILISA. Look out--I'll get you yet! - -ALYOSHKA [_opens the door and shouts_] Vassilisa Karpovna--I'm not -afraid of you--[_Hides_] - -[_Luka laughs._] - -VASSILISA. Who are you? - -LUKA. A passer-by--a traveler . . . - -VASSILISA. Stopping for the night or going to stay here? - -LUKA. I'll see. - -VASSILISA. Have you a passport? - -LUKA. Yes. - -VASSILISA. Give it to me. - -LUKA. I'll bring it over to your house-- - -VASSILISA. Call yourself a traveler? If you'd say a tramp--that would -be nearer the truth-- - -LUKA [_sighing_] You're not very kindly, mother! - -[_Vassilisa goes to door that leads to Pepel's room, Alyoshka pokes -his head through the kitchen door._] - -ALYOSHKA. Has she left? - -VASSILISA [_turning around_] Are you still here? - -[_Alyoshka disappears, whistling. Nastya and Luka laugh._] - -BUBNOFF [_to Vassilisa_] He isn't here-- - -VASSILISA. Who? - -BUBNOFF. Vaska. - -VASSILISA. Did I ask you about him? - -BUBNOFF. I noticed you were looking around-- - -VASSILISA. I am looking to see if things are in order, you see? Why -aren't the floors swept yet? How often did I give orders to keep the -house clean? - -BUBNOFF. It's the actor's turn to sweep-- - -VASSILISA. Never mind whose turn it is! If the health inspector comes -and fines me, I'll throw out the lot of you-- - -BUBNOFF [_calmly_] Then how are you going to earn your living? - -VASSILISA. I don't want a speck of dirt! [_Goes to kitchen; to -Nastya_] What are you hanging round here for? Why's your face all -swollen up? Why are you standing there like a dummy? Go on--sweep the -floor! Did you see Natalia? Was she here? - -NASTYA. I don't know--I haven't seen her . . . - -VASSILISA. Bubnoff! Was my sister here? - -BUBNOFF. She brought him along. - -VASSILISA. That one--was he home? - -BUBNOFF. Vassily? Yes--Natalia was here talking to Kleshtch-- - -VASSILISA. I'm not asking you whom she talked to. Dirt -everywhere--filth--oh, you swine! Mop it all up--do you hear? [_Exit -rapidly_] - -BUBNOFF. What a savage beast she is! - -LUKA. She's a lady that means business! - -NASTYA. You grow to be an animal, leading such a life--any human being -tied to such a husband as hers . . . - -BUBNOFF. Well--that tie isn't worrying her any-- - -LUKA. Does she always have these fits? - -BUBNOFF. Always. You see, she came to find her lover--but he isn't -home-- - -LUKA. I guess she was hurt. Oh-ho! Everybody is trying to be boss--and -is threatening everybody else with all kinds of punishment--and still -there's no order in life . . . and no cleanliness-- - -BUBNOFF. All the world likes order--but some people's brains aren't -fit for it. All the same--the room should be swept--Nastya--you ought -to get busy! - -NASTYA. Oh, certainly? Anything else? Think I'm your servant? -[_Silence_] I'm going to get drunk to-night--dead-drunk! - -BUBNOFF. Fine business! - -LUKA. Why do you want to get drunk, girlie? A while ago you were -crying--and now you say you'll get drunk-- - -NASTYA [_defiantly_] I'll drink--then I cry again--that's all there's -to it! - -BUBNOFF. That's nothing! - -LUKA. But for what reason--tell me! Every pimple has a cause! [_Nastya -remains silent, shaking her head_] Oh--you men--what's to become of -you? All right--I'll sweep the place. Where's your broom? - -BUBNOFF. Behind the door--in the hall-- - -[_Luka goes into the hall._] - -Nastinka! - -NASTYA. Yes? - -BUBNOFF. Why did Vassilisa jump on Alyoshka? - -NASTYA. He told her that Vaska was tired of her and was going to get -rid of her--and that he's going to make up to Natasha--I'll go away -from here--I'll find another lodging-house-- - -BUBNOFF. Why? Where? - -NASTYA. I'm sick of this--I'm not wanted here! - -BUBNOFF [_calmly_] You're not wanted anywhere--and, anyway, all people -on earth are superfluous-- - -[_Nastya shakes her head. Rises and slowly, quietly, leaves the -cellar. Miedviedieff comes in. Luka, with the broom, follows him._] - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. I don't think I know you-- - -LUKA. How about the others--d'you know them all? - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. I must know everybody in my precinct. But I don't know -you. - -LUKA. That's because, uncle, the whole world can't stow itself away in -your precinct--some of it was bound to remain outside . . . [_Goes -into kitchen_] - -MIEDVIEDIEFF [_crosses to Bubnoff_] It's true--my precinct is rather -small--yet it's worse than any of the very largest. Just now, before -getting off duty, I had to bring Alyoshka, the shoemaker, to the -station house. Just imagine--there he was, stretched right in the -middle of the street, playing his concertina and yelping: "I want -nothing, nothing!" Horses going past all the time--and with all the -traffic going on, he could easily have been run over--and so on! He's -a wild youngster--so I just collared him--he likes to make mischief-- - -BUBNOFF. Coming to play checkers to-night? - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. Yes--I'll come--how's Vaska? - -BUBNOFF. Same as ever-- - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. Meaning--he's getting along--? - -BUBNOFF. Why shouldn't he? He's able to get along all right. - -MIEDVIEDIEFF [_doubtfully_] Why shouldn't he? [_Luka goes into -hallway, carrying a pail_] M-yes--there's a lot of talk about Vaska. -Haven't you heard? - -BUBNOFF. I hear all sorts of gossip . . . - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. There seems to have been some sort of talk concerning -Vassilisa. Haven't you heard about it? - -BUBNOFF. What? - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. Oh--why--generally speaking. Perhaps you know--and lie. -Everybody knows--[_Severely_] You mustn't lie, brother! - -BUBNOFF. Why should I lie? - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. That's right. Dogs! They say that Vaska and Vassilisa -. . . but what's that to me? I'm not her father. I'm her uncle. Why -should they ridicule me? [_Kvashnya comes in_] What are people coming -to? They laugh at everything. Aha--you here? - -KVASHNYA. Well--my love-sick garrison--? Bubnoff! He came up to me -again on the marketplace and started pestering me about marrying -him . . . - -BUBNOFF. Go to it! Why not? He has money and he's still a husky -fellow. - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. Me--? I should say so! - -KVASHNYA. You ruffian! Don't you dare touch my sore spot! I've gone -through it once already, darling. Marriage to a woman is just like -jumping through a hole in the ice in winter. You do it once, and you -remember it the rest of your life . . . - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. Wait! There are different breeds of husbands . . . - -KVASHNYA. But there's only one of me! When my beloved husband kicked -the bucket, I spent the whole day all by my lonely--just bursting with -joy. I sat and simply couldn't believe it was true. . . . - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. If your husband beat you without cause, you should have -complained to the police. - -KVASHNYA. I complained to God for eight years--and he didn't help. - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. Nowadays the law forbids to beat your wife . . . all is -very strict these days--there's law and order everywhere. You can't -beat up people without due cause. If you beat them to maintain -discipline--all right . . . - -LUKA [_comes in with Anna_] Well--we finally managed to get here after -all. Oh, you! Why do you, weak as you are, walk about alone? Where's -your bunk? - -ANNA [_pointing_] Thank you, grand-dad. - -KVASHNYA. There--she's married--look at her! - -LUKA. The little woman is in very bad shape . . . she was creeping -along the hallway, clinging to the wall and moaning--why do you leave -her by herself? - -KVASHNYA. Oh, pure carelessness on our part, little father--forgive -us! Her maid, it appears, went out for a walk . . . - -LUKA. Go on--poke fun at me . . . but, all the same, how can you -neglect a human being like that? No matter who or what, every human -life has its worth . . . - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. There should be supervision! Suppose she died -suddenly--? That would cause a lot of bother . . . we must look after -her! - -LUKA. True, sergeant! - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. Well--yes--though I'm not a sergeant--ah--yet! - -LUKA. No! But you carry yourself most martially! - -[_Noise of shuffling feet is heard in the hallway. Muffled cries._] - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. What now--a row? - -BUBNOFF. Sounds like it? - -KVASHNYA. I'll go and see . . . - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. I'll go, too. It is my duty! Why separate people when -they fight? They'll stop sooner or later of their own accord. One gets -tired of fighting. Why not let them fight all they want to--freely? -They wouldn't fight half as often--if they'd remember former -beatings . . . - -BUBNOFF [_climbing down from his bunk_] Why don't you speak to your -superiors about it? - -KOSTILYOFF [_throws open the door and shouts_] Abram! Come -quick--Vassilisa is killing Natasha--come quick! - -[_Kvashnya, Miedviedieff, and Bubnoff rush into hallway; Luka looks -after them, shaking his head._] - -ANNA. Oh God--poor little Natasha . . . - -LUKA. Who's fighting out there? - -ANNA. Our landladies--they're sisters . . . - -LUKA [_crossing to Anna_] Why? - -ANNA. Oh--for no reason--except that they're both fat and healthy -. . . - -LUKA. What's your name? - -ANNA. Anna . . . I look at you . . . you're like my father--my dear -father . . . you're as gentle as he was--and as soft. . . . - -LUKA. Soft! Yes! They pounded me till I got soft! [_Laughs -tremulously_] - -CURTAIN. - - - -[Portrait: MAXIM GORKY: RUSSIA'S GREATEST LIVING PLAYWRIGHT] - - - -ACT TWO. - -_Same as Act I--Night._ - -_On the bunks near the stove Satine, the Baron, Krivoy Zob, and the -Tartar play cards. Kleshtch and the Actor watch them. Bubnoff, on his -bunk, is playing checkers with Miedviedieff. Luka sits on a stool by -Anna's bedside. The place is lit by two lamps, one on the wall near -the card players, the other is on Bubnoff's bunk._ - - -THE TARTAR. I'll play one more game--then I'll stop . . . - -BUBNOFF. Zob! Sing! [_He sings_] - - "The sun rises and sets . . ." - -ZOB [_joining in_] - - "But my prison is dark, dark . . ." - -THE TARTAR [_to Satine_] Shuffle the cards--and shuffle them well. We -know your kind-- - -ZOB AND BUBNOFF [_together_] - - "Day and night the wardens - Watch beneath my window . . ." - -ANNA. Blows--insults--I've had nothing but that all my life long . . . - -LUKA. Don't worry, little mother! - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. Look where you're moving! - -BUBNOFF. Oh, yes--that's right . . . - -THE TARTAR [_threatening Satine with his fist_] You're trying to palm -a card? I've seen you--you scoundrel . . . - -ZOB. Stop it, Hassan! They'll skin us anyway . . . come on, Bubnoff! - -ANNA. I can't remember a single day when I didn't go hungry . . . I've -been afraid, waking, eating, and sleeping . . . all my life I've -trembled--afraid I wouldn't get another bite . . . all my life I've -been in rags--all through my wretched life--and why . . . ? - -LUKA. Yes, yes, child--you're tired--never you mind! - -THE ACTOR [_to Zob_] Play the Jack--the Jack, devil take you! - -THE BARON. And we play the King! - -KLESHTCH. They always win. - -SATINE. Such is our habit. - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. I have the Queen! - -BUBNOFF. And so have I! - -ANNA. I'm dying . . . - -KLESHTCH. Look, look! Prince, throw up the game--throw it up, I tell -you! - -THE ACTOR. Can't he play without your assistance? - -THE BARON. Look out, Andrushka, or I'll beat the life out of you! - -THE TARTAR. Deal once more--the pitcher went after water--and got -broke--and so did I! - -[_Kleshtch shakes his head and crosses to Bubnoff._] - -ANNA. I keep on thinking--is it possible that I'll suffer in the other -world as I did in this--is it possible? There, too? - -LUKA. Nothing of the sort! Don't you disturb yourself! You'll rest -there . . . be patient. We all suffer, dear, each in our own way. -. . . [_Rises and goes quickly into kitchen_] - -BUBNOFF [_sings_] - - "Watch as long as you please . . ." - -ZOB. "I shan't run away . . ." - -BOTH [_together_] - - "I long to be free, free-- - Alas! I cannot break my chains. . . ." - -THE TARTAR [_yells_] That card was up his sleeve! - -THE BARON [_embarrassed_] Do you want me to shove it up your nose? - -THE ACTOR [_emphatically_] Prince! You're mistaken--nobody--ever . . . - -THE TARTAR. I saw it! You cheat! I won't play! - -SATINE [_gathering up the cards_] Leave us alone, Hassan . . . you -knew right along that we're cheats--why did you play with us? - -THE BARON. He lost forty kopecks and he yelps as if he had lost a -fortune! And a Prince at that! - -THE TARTAR [_excitedly_] Then play honest! - -SATINE. What for? - -THE TARTAR. What do you mean "what for"? - -SATINE. Exactly. What for? - -THE TARTAR. Don't you know? - -SATINE. I don't. Do you? - -[_The Tartar spits out, furiously; the others laugh at him._] - -ZOB [_good-naturedly_] You're a funny fellow, Hassan! Try to -understand this! If they should begin to live honestly, they'd die of -starvation inside of three days. - -THE TARTAR. That's none of my business. You must live honestly! - -ZOB. They did you brown! Come and let's have tea. . . . [_Sings_] - - "O my chains, my heavy chains . . ." - -BUBNOFF [_sings_] - - "You're my steely, clanking wardens . . ." - -ZOB. Come on, Hassanka! [_Leaves the room, singing_] - - "I cannot tear you, cannot break you . . ." - -[_The Tartar shakes his fist threateningly at the Baron, and follows -the other out of the room._] - -SATINE [_to Baron, laughing_] Well, Your Imperial Highness, you've -again sat down magnificently in a mud puddle! You've learned a -lot--but you're an ignoramus when it comes to palming a card. - -THE BARON [_spreading his hands_] The Devil knows how it happened. -. . . - -THE ACTOR. You're not gifted--you've no faith in yourself--and without -that you can never accomplish anything . . . - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. I've one Queen--and you've two--oh, well . . . - -BUBNOFF. One's enough if she has brains--play! - -KLESHTCH. You lost, Abram Ivanovitch? - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. None of your business--see? Shut up! - -SATINE. I've won fifty-three kopecks. - -THE ACTOR. Give me three of them . . . though, what'll I do with them? - -LUKA [_coming from kitchen_] Well--the Tartar was fleeced all right, -eh? Going to have some vodka? - -THE BARON. Come with us. - -SATINE. I wonder what you'll be like when you're drunk. - -LUKA. Same as when I'm sober. - -THE ACTOR. Come on, old man--I'll recite verses for you . . . - -LUKA. What? - -THE ACTOR. Verses. Don't you understand? - -LUKA. Verses? And what do I want with verses? - -THE ACTOR. Sometimes they're funny--sometimes sad. - -SATINE. Well, poet, are you coming? [_Exit with the Baron_] - -THE ACTOR. I'm coming. I'll join you. For instance, old man, here's a -bit of verse--I forget how it begins--I forget . . . [_brushes his -hand across his forehead_] - -BUBNOFF. There! Your Queen is lost--go on, play! - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. I made the wrong move. - -THE ACTOR. Formerly, before my organism was poisoned with alcohol, old -man, I had a good memory. But now it's all over with me, brother. I -used to declaim these verses with tremendous success--thunders of -applause . . . you have no idea what applause means . . . it goes to -your head like vodka! I'd step out on the stage--stand this -way--[_Strikes a pose_]--I'd stand there and . . . [_Pause_] I can't -remember a word--I can't remember! My favorite verses--isn't it -ghastly, old man? - -LUKA. Yes--is there anything worse than forgetting what you loved? -Your very soul is in the thing you love! - -THE ACTOR. I've drunk my soul away, old man--brother, I'm lost . . . -and why? Because I had no faith. . . . I'm done with . . . - -LUKA. Well--then--cure yourself! Nowadays they have a cure for -drunkards. They treat you free of charge, brother. There's a hospital -for drunkards--where they're treated for nothing. They've owned up, -you see, that even a drunkard is a human being, and they're only too -glad to help him get well. Well--then--go to it! - -THE ACTOR [_thoughtfully_] Where? Where is it? - -LUKA. Oh--in some town or other . . . what do they call it--? I'll -tell you the name presently--only, in the meanwhile, get ready. Don't -drink so much! Take yourself in hand--and bear up! And then, when -you're cured, you'll begin life all over again. Sounds good, brother, -doesn't it, to begin all over again? Well--make up your mind! - -THE ACTOR [_smiling_] All over again--from the very beginning--that's -fine . . . yes . . . all over again . . . [_Laughs_] Well--then--I -can, can't I? - -LUKA. Why not? A human being can do anything--if he only makes up his -mind. - -THE ACTOR [_suddenly, as if coming out of a trance_] You're a queer -bird! See you anon! [_Whistles_] Old man--_au revoir!_ [_Exit_] - -ANNA. Grand-dad! - -LUKA. Yes, little mother? - -ANNA. Talk to me. - -LUKA [_close to her_] Come on--let's chat . . . - -[_Kleshtch, glancing around, silently walks over to his wife, looks at -her, and makes queer gestures with his hands, as though he wanted to -say something._] - -LUKA. What is it, brother? - -KLESHTCH [_quietly_] Nothing . . . - -[_Crosses slowly to hallway door, stands on the threshold for a few -seconds, and exit._] - -LUKA [_looking after him_] Hard on your man, isn't it? - -ANNA. He doesn't concern me much . . . - -LUKA. Did he beat you? - -ANNA. Worse than that--it's he who's killed me-- - -BUBNOFF. My wife used to have a lover--the scoundrel--how clever he -was at checkers! - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. Hm-hm-- - -ANNA. Grand-dad! Talk to me, darling--I feel so sick . . . - -LUKA. Never mind--it's always like this before you die, little -dove--never mind, dear! Just have faith! Once you're dead, you'll have -peace--always. There's nothing to be afraid of--nothing. Quiet! Peace! -Lie quietly! Death wipes out everything. Death is kindly. You die--and -you rest--that's what they say. It is true, dear! Because--where can -we find rest on this earth? - -[_Pepel enters. He is slightly drunk, dishevelled, and sullen. Sits -down on bunk near door, and remains silent and motionless._] - -ANNA. And how is it--there? More suffering? - -LUKA. Nothing of the kind! No suffering! Trust me! Rest--nothing else! -They'll lead you into God's presence, and they'll say: "Dear God! -Behold! Here is Anna, Thy servant!" - -MIEDVIEDIEFF [_sternly_] How do you know what they'll say up there? -Oh, you . . . - -[_Pepel, on hearing Miedviedieff's voice, raises his head and -listens._] - -LUKA. Apparently I do know, Mr. Sergeant! - -MIEDVIEDIEFF [_conciliatory_] Yes--it's your own affair--though I'm -not exactly a sergeant--yet-- - -BUBNOFF. I jump two! - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. Damn--play! - -LUKA. And the Lord will look at you gently and tenderly and He'll say: -"I know this Anna!" Then He'll say: "Take Anna into Paradise. Let her -have peace. I know. Her life on earth was hard. She is very weary. Let -Anna rest in peace!" - -ANNA [_choking_] Grandfather--if it were only so--if there were only -rest and peace . . . - -LUKA. There won't be anything else! Trust me! Die in joy and not in -grief. Death is to us like a mother to small children . . . - -ANNA. But--perhaps--perhaps I get well . . . ? - -LUKA [_laughing_] Why--? Just to suffer more? - -ANNA. But--just to live a little longer . . . just a little longer! -Since there'll be no suffering hereafter, I could bear it a little -longer down here . . . - -LUKA. There'll be nothing in the hereafter . . . but only . . . - -PEPEL [_rising_] Maybe yes--maybe no! - -ANNA [_frightened_] Oh--God! - -LUKA. Hey--Adonis! - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. Who's that yelping? - -PEPEL [_crossing over to him_] I! What of it? - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. You yelp needlessly--that's what! People ought to have -some dignity! - -PEPEL. Block-head! And that's an uncle for you--ho-ho! - -LUKA [_to Pepel, in an undertone_] Look here--don't shout--this -woman's dying--her lips are already grey--don't disturb her! - -PEPEL. I've respect for you, grand-dad. You're all right, you are! You -lie well, and you spin pleasant yarns. Go on lying, brother--there's -little fun in this world . . . - -BUBNOFF. Is the woman really dying? - -LUKA. You think I'm joking? - -BUBNOFF. That means she'll stop coughing. Her cough was very -disturbing. I jump two! - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. I'd like to murder you! - -PEPEL. Abramka! - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. I'm not Abramka to you! - -PEPEL. Abrashka! Is Natasha ill? - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. None of your business! - -PEPEL. Come--tell me! Did Vassilisa beat her up very badly? - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. That's none of your business, either! It's a family -affair! Who are you anyway? - -PEPEL. Whoever I am, you'll never see Natashka again if I choose! - -MIEDVIEDIEFF [_throwing up the game_] What's that? Who are you -alluding to? My niece by any chance? You thief! - -PEPEL. A thief whom you were never able to catch! - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. Wait--I'll catch you yet--you'll see--sooner than you -think! - -PEPEL. If you catch me, God help your whole nest! Do you think I'll -keep quiet before the examining magistrate? Every wolf howls! They'll -ask me: "Who made you steal and showed you where?" "Mishka Kostilyoff -and his wife!" "Who was your fence?" "Mishka Kostilyoff and his wife!" - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. You lie! No one will believe you! - -PEPEL. They'll believe me all right--because it's the truth! And I'll -drag you into it, too. Ha! I'll ruin the lot of you--devils--just -watch! - -MIEDVIEDIEFF [_confused_] You lie! You lie! And what harm did I do to -you, you mad dog? - -PEPEL. And what good did you ever do me? - -LUKA. That's right! - -MIEDVIEDIEFF [_to Luka_] Well--what are you croaking about? Is it any -of your business? This is a family matter! - -BUBNOFF [_to Luka_] Leave them alone! What do we care if they twist -each other's tails? - -LUKA [_peacefully_] I meant no harm. All I said was that if a man -isn't good to you, then he's acting wrong . . . - -MIEDVIEDIEFF [_uncomprehending_] Now then--we all of us here know each -other--but you--who are you? [_Frowns and exit_] - -LUKA. The cavalier is peeved! Oh-ho, brothers, I see your affairs are -a bit tangled up! - -PEPEL. He'll run to complain about us to Vassilisa . . . - -BUBNOFF. You're a fool, Vassily. You're very bold these days, aren't -you? Watch out! It's all right to be bold when you go gathering -mushrooms, but what good is it here? They'll break your neck before -you know it! - -PEPEL. Well--not as fast as all that! You don't catch us Yaroslavl -boys napping! If it's going to be war, we'll fight . . . - -LUKA. Look here, boy, you really ought to go away from here-- - -PEPEL. Where? Please tell me! - -LUKA. Go to Siberia! - -PEPEL. If I go to Siberia, it'll be at the Tsar's expense! - -LUKA. Listen! You go just the same! You can make your own way there. -They need your kind out there . . . - -PEPEL. My way is clear. My father spent all his life in prison, and I -inherited the trait. Even when I was a small child, they called me -thief--thief's son. - -LUKA. But Siberia is a fine country--a land of gold. Any one who has -health and strength and brains can live there like a cucumber in a -hot-house. - -PEPEL. Old man, why do you always tell lies? - -LUKA. What? - -PEPEL. Are you deaf? I ask--why do you always lie? - -LUKA. What do I lie about? - -PEPEL. About everything. According to you, life's wonderful -everywhere--but you lie . . . why? - -LUKA. Try to believe me. Go and see for yourself. And some day you'll -thank me for it. What are you hanging round here for? And, besides, -why is truth so important to you? Just think! Truth may spell death to -you! - -PEPEL. It's all one to me! If that--let it be that! - -LUKA. Oh--what a madman! Why should you kill yourself? - -BUBNOFF. What are you two jawing about, anyway? I don't understand. -What kind of truth do you want, Vaska? And what for? You know the -truth about yourself--and so does everybody else . . . - -PEPEL. Just a moment! Don't crow! Let him tell me! Listen, old man! Is -there a God? - -[_Luka smiles silently._] - -BUBNOFF. People just drift along--like shavings on a stream. When a -house is built--the shavings are thrown away! - -PEPEL. Well? Is there a God? Tell me. - -LUKA [_in a low voice_] If you have faith, there is; if you haven't, -there isn't . . . whatever you believe in, exists . . . - -[_Pepel looks at Luka in staring surprise._] - -BUBNOFF. I'm going to have tea--come on over to the restaurant! - -LUKA [_to Pepel_] What are you staring at? - -PEPEL. Oh--just because! Wait now--you mean to say . . . - -BUBNOFF. Well--I'm off. - -[_Goes to door and runs into Vassilisa._] - -PEPEL. So--you . . . - -VASSILISA [_to Bubnoff_] Is Nastasya home? - -BUBNOFF. No. [_Exit_] - -PEPEL. Oh--you've come--? - -VASSILISA [_crossing to Anna_] Is she alive yet? - -LUKA. Don't disturb her! - -VASSILISA. What are you loafing around here for? - -LUKA. I'll go--if you want me to . . . - -VASSILISA [_turning towards Pepel's room_] Vassily! I've some business -with you . . . - -[_Luka goes to hallway door, opens it, and shuts it loudly, then -warily climbs into a bunk, and from there to the top of the stove._] - -VASSILISA [_calling from Pepel's room_] Vaska--come here! - -PEPEL. I won't come--I don't want to . . . - -VASSILISA. Why? What are you angry about? - -PEPEL. I'm sick of the whole thing . . . - -VASSILISA. Sick of me, too? - -PEPEL. Yes! Of you, too! - -[_Vassilisa draws her shawl about her, pressing her hands over her -breast. Crosses to Anna, looks carefully through the bed curtains, and -returns to Pepel._] - -Well--out with it! - -VASSILISA. What do you want me to say? I can't force you to be loving, -and I'm not the sort to beg for kindness. Thank you for telling me the -truth. - -PEPEL. What truth? - -VASSILISA. That you're sick of me--or isn't it the truth? [_Pepel -looks at her silently. She turns to him_] What are you staring at? -Don't you recognize me? - -PEPEL [_sighing_] You're beautiful, Vassilisa! [_She puts her arm -about his neck, but he shakes it off_] But I never gave my heart to -you. . . . I've lived with you and all that--But I never really liked -you . . . - -VASSILISA [_quietly_] That so? Well--? - -PEPEL. What is there to talk, about? Nothing. Go away from me! - -VASSILISA. Taken a fancy to some one else? - -PEPEL. None of your business! Suppose I have--I wouldn't ask you to be -my match-maker! - -VASSILISA [_significantly_] That's too bad . . . perhaps I might -arrange a match . . . - -PEPEL [_suspiciously_] Who with? - -VASSILISA. You know--why do you pretend? Vassily--let me be frank. -[_With lower voice_] I won't deny it--you've offended me . . . it was -like a bolt from the blue . . . you said you loved me--and then all of -a sudden . . . - -PEPEL. It wasn't sudden at all. It's been a long time since I . . . -woman, you've no soul! A woman must have a soul . . . we men are -beasts--we must be taught--and you, what have you taught me--? - -VASSILISA. Never mind the past! I know--no man owns his own heart--you -don't love me any longer . . . well and good, it can't be helped! - -PEPEL. So that's over. We part peaceably, without a row--as it should -be! - -VASSILISA. Just a moment! All the same, when I lived with you, I hoped -you'd help me out of this swamp--I thought you'd free me from my -husband and my uncle--from all this life--and perhaps, Vassya, it -wasn't you whom I loved--but my hope--do you understand? I waited for -you to drag me out of this mire . . . - -PEPEL. You aren't a nail--and I'm not a pair of pincers! I thought you -had brains--you are so clever--so crafty . . . - -VASSILISA [_leaning closely towards him_] Vassa--let's help each -other! - -PEPEL. How? - -VASSILISA [_low and forcibly_] My sister--I know you've fallen for -her. . . . - -PEPEL. And that's why you beat her up, like the beast you are! Look -out, Vassilisa! Don't you touch her! - -VASSILISA. Wait. Don't get excited. We can do everything quietly and -pleasantly. You want to marry her. I'll give you money . . . three -hundred rubles--even more than that . . . - -PEPEL [_moving away from her_] Stop! What do you mean? - -VASSILISA. Rid me of my husband! Take that noose from around my -neck . . . - -PEPEL [_whistling softly_] So that's the way the land lies! You -certainly planned it cleverly . . . in other words, the grave for the -husband, the gallows for the lover, and as for yourself . . . - -VASSILISA. Vassya! Why the gallows? It doesn't have to be -yourself--but one of your pals! And supposing it were yourself--who'd -know? Natalia--just think--and you'll have money--you go away -somewhere . . . you free me forever--and it'll be very good for my -sister to be away from me--the sight of her enrages me. . . . I get -furious with her on account of you, and I can't control myself. I -tortured the girl--I beat her up--beat her up so that I myself cried -with pity for her--but I'll beat her--and I'll go on beating her! - -PEPEL. Beast! Bragging about your beastliness? - -VASSILISA. I'm not bragging--I speak the truth. Think now, Vassa. -You've been to prison twice because of my husband--through his greed. -He clings to me like a bed-bug--he's been sucking the life out of me -for the last four years--and what sort of a husband is he to me? He's -forever abusing Natasha--calls her a beggar--he's just poison, plain -poison, to every one . . . - -PEPEL. You spin your yarn cleverly . . . - -VASSILISA. Everything I say is true. Only a fool could be as blind as -you. . . . - -[_Kostilyoff enters stealthily and comes forward noisily._] - -PEPEL [_to Vassilisa_] Oh--go away! - -VASSILISA. Think it over! [_Sees her husband_] What? You? Following -me? - -[_Pepel leaps up and stares at Kostilyoff savagely._] - -KOSTILYOFF. It's I, I! So the two of you were here alone--you -were--ah--conversing? [_Suddenly stamps his feet and screams_] -Vassilisa--you bitch! You beggar! You damned hag! [_Frightened by his -own screams which are met by silence and indifference on the part of -the others_] Forgive me, O Lord . . . Vassilisa--again you've led me -into the path of sin. . . . I've been looking for you everywhere. It's -time to go to bed. You forgot to fill the lamps--oh, you . . . beggar! -Swine! [_Shakes his trembling fist at her, while Vassilisa slowly goes -to door, glancing at Pepel over her shoulder_] - -PEPEL [_to Kostilyoff_] Go away--clear out of here-- - -KOSTILYOFF [_yelling_] What? I? The Boss? I get out? You thief! - -PEPEL [_sullenly_] Go away, Mishka! - -KOSTILYOFF. Don't you dare--I--I'll show you. - -[_Pepel seizes him by the collar and shakes him. From the stove come -loud noises and yawns. Pepel releases Kostilyoff who runs into the -hallway, screaming._] - -PEPEL [_jumping on a bunk_] Who is it? Who's on the stove? - -LUKA [_raising his head_] Eh? - -PEPEL. You? - -LUKA [_undisturbed_] I--I myself--oh, dear Jesus! - -PEPEL [_shuts hallway door, looks for the wooden closing bar, but -can't find it_] The devil! Come down, old man! - -LUKA. I'm climbing down--all right . . . - -PEPEL [_roughly_] What did you climb on that stove for? - -LUKA. Where was I to go? - -PEPEL. Why--didn't you go out into the hall? - -LUKA. The hall's too cold for an old fellow like myself, brother. - -PEPEL. You overheard? - -LUKA. Yes--I did. How could I help it? Am I deaf? Well, my boy, -happiness is coming your way. Real, good fortune I call it! - -PEPEL [_suspiciously_] What good fortune--? - -LUKA. In so far as I was lying on the stove . . . - -PEPEL. Why did you make all that noise? - -LUKA. Because I was getting warm . . . it was your good luck . . . I -thought if only the boy wouldn't make a mistake and choke the old -man . . . - -PEPEL. Yes--I might have done it . . . how terrible . . . - -LUKA. Small wonder! It isn't difficult to make a mistake of that sort. - -PEPEL [_smiling_] What's the matter? Did you make the same sort of -mistake once upon a time? - -LUKA. Boy, listen to me. Send that woman out of your life! Don't let -her near you! Her husband--she'll get rid of him herself--and in a -shrewder way than you could--yes! Don't you listen to that devil! Look -at me! I am bald-headed--know why? Because of all these women. . . . -Perhaps I knew more women than I had hair on the top of my head--but -this Vassilisa--she's worse than the plague. . . . - -PEPEL. I don't understand . . . I don't know whether to thank -you--or--well . . . - -LUKA. Don't say a word! You won't improve on what I said. Listen: take -the one you like by the arm, and march out of here--get out of -here--clean out . . . - -PEPEL [_sadly_] I can't understand people. Who is kind and who isn't? -It's all a mystery to me . . . - -LUKA. What's there to understand? There's all breeds of men . . . they -all live as their hearts tell them . . . good to-day, bad to-morrow! -But if you really care for that girl . . . take her away from here and -that's all there is to it. Otherwise go away alone . . . you're -young--you're in no hurry for a wife . . . - -PEPEL [_taking him by the shoulder_] Tell me! Why do you say all this? - -LUKA. Wait. Let me go. I want a look at Anna . . . she was coughing so -terribly . . . [_Goes to Anna's bed, pulls the curtains, looks, -touches her. Pepel thoughtfully and distraught, follows him with his -eyes_] Merciful Jesus Christ! Take into Thy keeping the soul of this -woman Anna, new-comer amongst the blessed! - -PEPEL [_softly_] Is she dead? - -[_Without approaching, he stretches himself and looks at the bed._] - -LUKA [_gently_] Her sufferings are over! Where's her husband? - -PEPEL. In the saloon, most likely . . . - -LUKA. Well--he'll have to be told . . . - -PEPEL [_shuddering_] I don't like corpses! - -LUKA [_going to door_] Why should you like them? It's the living who -demand our love--the living . . . - -PEPEL. I'm coming with you . . . - -LUKA. Are you afraid? - -PEPEL. I don't like it . . . - -[_They go out quickly. The stage is empty and silent for a few -moments. Behind the door is heard a dull, staccato, incomprehensible -noise. Then the Actor enters._] - -THE ACTOR [_stands at the open door, supporting himself against the -jamb, and shouts_] Hey, old man--where are you--? I just -remembered--listen . . . [_Takes two staggering steps forward and, -striking a pose, recites_] - - "Good people! If the world cannot find - A path to holy truth, - Glory be to the madman who will enfold all humanity - In a golden dream . . ." - -[_Natasha appears in the doorway behind the Actor_] - -Old man! [_recites_] - - "If to-morrow the sun were to forget - To light our earth, - To-morrow then some madman's thought - Would bathe the world in sunshine. . . ." - -NATASHA [_laughing_] Scarecrow! You're drunk! - -THE ACTOR [_turns to her_] Oh--it's you? Where's the old man, the dear -old man? Not a soul here, seems to me . . . Natasha, -farewell--right--farewell! - -NATASHA [_entering_] Don't wish me farewell, before you've wished me -how-d'you-do! - -THE ACTOR [_barring her way_] I am going. Spring will come--and I'll -be here no longer-- - -NATASHA. Wait a moment! Where do you propose going? - -THE ACTOR. In search of a town--to be cured--And you, Ophelia, must go -away! Take the veil! Just imagine--there's a hospital to -cure--ah--organisms for drunkards--a wonderful hospital--built of -marble--with marble floors . . . light--clean--food--and all gratis! -And a marble floor--yes! I'll find it--I'll get cured--and then I -shall start life anew. . . . I'm on my way to regeneration, as King -Lear said. Natasha, my stage name is . . . Svertchkoff--Zavoloushski -. . . do you realize how painful it is to lose one's name? Even dogs -have their names . . . - -[_Natasha carefully passes the Actor, stops at Anna's bed and looks._] - -To be nameless--is not to exist! - -NATASHA. Look, my dear--why--she's dead. . . . - -THE ACTOR [_shakes his head_] Impossible . . . - -NATASHA [_stepping back_] So help me God--look . . . - -BUBNOFF [_appearing in doorway_] What is there to look at? - -NATASHA. Anna--she's dead! - -BUBNOFF. That means--she's stopped coughing! [_Goes to Anna's bed, -looks, and returns to his bunk_] We must tell Kleshtch--it's his -business to know . . . - -THE ACTOR. I'll go--I'll say to him--she lost her name--[_Exit_] - -NATASHA. [_in centre of room_] I, too--some day--I'll be found in the -cellar--dead. . . . - -BUBNOFF [_spreading out some rags on his bunk_] What's that? What are -you muttering? - -NATASHA. Nothing much . . . - -BUBNOFF. Waiting for Vaska, eh? Take care--Vassilisa'll break your -head! - -NATASHA. Isn't it the same who breaks it? I'd much rather he'd do it! - -BUBNOFF [_lying down_] Well--that's your own affair . . . - -NATASHA. It's best for her to be dead--yet it's a pity . . . oh, -Lord--why do we live? - -BUBNOFF. It's so with all . . . we're born, live, and die--and I'll -die, too--and so'll you--what's there to be gloomy about? - -[_Enter Luka, the Tartar, Zob, and Kleshtch. The latter comes after -the others, slowly, shrunk up._] - -NATASHA. Sh-sh! Anna! - -ZOB. We've heard--God rest her soul . . . - -THE TARTAR [_to Kleshtch_] We must take her out of here. Out into the -hall! This is no place for corpses--but for the living . . . - -KLESHTCH [_quietly_] We'll take her out-- - -[_Everybody goes to the bed, Kleshtch looks at his wife ever the -others' shoulders._] - -ZOB [_to the Tartar_] You think she'll smell? I don't think she -will--she dried up while she was still alive . . . - -NATASHA. God! If they'd only a little pity . . . if only some one -would say a kindly word--oh, you . . . - -LUKA. Don't be hurt, girl--never mind! Why and how should we pity the -dead? Come, dear! We don't pity the living--we can't even pity our own -selves--how can we? - -BUBNOFF [_yawning_] And, besides, when you're dead, no word will help -you--when you're still alive, even sick, it may. . . . - -THE TARTAR [_stepping aside_] The police must be notified . . . - -ZOB. The police--must be done! Kleshtch! Did you notify the police? - -KLESHTCH. No--she's got to be buried--and all I have is forty -kopecks-- - -ZOB. Well--you'll have to borrow then--otherwise we'll take up a -collection . . . one'll give five kopecks, others as much as they can. -But the police must be notified at once--or they'll think you killed -her or God knows what not . . . - -[_Crosses to the Tartar's bunk and prepares to lie down by his side._] - -NATASHA [_going to Bubnoff's bunk_] Now--I'll dream of her . . . I -always dream of the dead . . . I'm afraid to go out into the hall by -myself--it's dark there . . . - -LUKA [_following her_] You better fear the living--I'm telling -you . . . - -NATASHA. Take me across the hall, grandfather. - -LUKA. Come on--come on--I'll take you across-- - -[_They go away. Pause._] - -ZOB [_to the Tartar_] Oh-ho! Spring will soon be here, little brother, -and it'll be quite warm. In the villages the peasants are already -making ready their ploughs and harrows, preparing to till . . . and we -. . . Hassan? Snoring already? Damned Mohammedan! - -BUBNOFF. Tartars love sleep! - -KLESHTCH [_in centre of room, staring in front of him_] What am I to -do now? - -ZOB. Lie down and sleep--that's all . . . - -KLESHTCH [_softly_] But--she . . . how about . . . - -[_No one answers him. Satine and the Actor enter._] - -THE ACTOR [_yelling_] Old man! Come here, my trusted Duke of Kent! - -SATINE. Miklookha-Maklai is coming--ho-ho! - -THE ACTOR. It has been decided upon! Old man, where's the town--where -are you? - -SATINE. Fata Morgana, the old man bilked you from top to bottom! -There's nothing--no towns--no people--nothing at all! - -THE ACTOR. You lie! - -THE TARTAR [_jumping up_] Where's the boss? I'm going to the boss. If -I can't sleep, I won't pay! Corpses--drunkards . . . [_Exit quickly_] - -[_Satine looks after him and whistles._] - -BUBNOFF [_in a sleepy voice_] Go to bed, boys--be quiet . . . night is -for sleep . . . - -THE ACTOR. Yes--so--there's a corpse here. . . . "Our net fished up a -corpse. . . ." Verses--by Béranger. . . . - -SATINE [_screams_] The dead can't hear . . . the dead do not -feel--Scream!--Roar! . . . the dead don't hear! - -[_In the doorway appears Luka._] - -CURTAIN. - - - -ACT THREE. - -_"The Waste," a yard strewn with rubbish and overgrown with weeds. -Back, a high brick wall which shuts out the sight of the sky. Near it -are elder bushes. Right, the dark, wooden wall of some sort of house, -barn or stable. Left, the grey, tumbledown wall of Kostilyoff's night -asylum. It is built at an angle so that the further corner reaches -almost to the centre of the yard. Between it and the wall runs a -narrow passage. In the grey, plastered wall are two windows, one on a -level with the ground, the other about six feet higher up and closer -to the brick wall. Near the latter wall is a big sledge turned upside -down and a beam about twelve feet long. Right of the wall is a heap of -old planks. Evening. The sun is setting, throwing a crimson light on -the brick wall. Early spring, the snow having only recently melted. -The elder bushes are not yet in bud._ - -_Natasha and Nastya are sitting side by side on the beam. Luka and the -Baron are on the sledge. Kleshtch is stretched on the pile of planks -to the right. Bubnoff's face is at the ground floor window._ - -NASTYA [_with closed eyes, nodding her head in rhythm to the tale she -is telling in a sing-song voice_] So then at night he came into the -garden. I had been waiting for him quite a while. I trembled with fear -and grief--he trembled, too . . . he was as white as chalk--and he had -the pistol in his hand . . . - -NATASHA [_chewing sun-flower seeds_] Oh--are these students really -such desperate fellows . . . ? - -NASTYA. And he says to me in a dreadful voice: "My precious darling -. . ." - -BUBNOFF. Ho-ho! Precious--? - -THE BARON. Shut up! If you don't like it, you can lump it! But don't -interrupt her. . . . Go on . . . - -NASTYA. "My one and only love," he says, "my parents," he says, -"refuse to give their consent to our wedding--and threaten to disown -me because of my love for you. Therefore," he says, "I must take my -life." And his pistol was huge--and loaded with ten bullets . . . -"Farewell," he says, "beloved comrade! I have made up my mind for good -and all . . . I can't live without you . . ." and I replied: "My -unforgettable friend--my Raoul. . . ." - -BUBNOFF [_surprised_] What? What? Krawl--did you call him--? - -THE BARON. Nastka! But last time his name was Gaston. . . . - -NASTYA [_jumping up_] Shut up, you bastards! Ah--you lousy mongrels! -You think for a moment that you can understand love--true love? My -love was real honest-to-God love! [_To the Baron_] You -good-for-nothing! . . . educated, you call yourself--drinking coffee -in bed, did you? - -LUKA. Now, now! Wait, people! Don't interfere! Show a little respect -to your neighbors . . . it isn't the word that matters, but what's in -back of the word. That's what matters! Go on, girl! It's all right! - -BUBNOFF. Go on, crow! See if you can make your feathers white! - -THE BARON. Well--continue! - -NATASHA. Pay no attention to them . . . what are they? They're just -jealous . . . they've nothing to tell about themselves . . . - -NASTYA [_sits down again_] I'm going to say no more! If they don't -believe me they'll laugh. [_Stops suddenly, is silent for a few -seconds, then, shutting her eyes, continues in a loud and intense -voice, swaying her hands as if to the rhythm of far music_] And then I -replied to him: "Joy of my life! My bright moon! And I, too, I can't -live without you--because I love you madly, so madly--and I shall keep -on loving you as long as my heart beats in my bosom. But--" I -say--"don't take your young life! Think how necessary it is to your -dear parents whose only happiness you are. Leave me! Better that I -should perish from longing for you, my life! I alone! I--ah--as such, -such! Better that I should die--it doesn't matter . . . I am of no use -to the world--and I have nothing, nothing at all--" [_Covers her face -with her hand and weeps gently_] - -NATASHA [_in a low voice_] Don't cry--don't! - -[_Luka, smiling, strokes Nastya's head._] - -BUBNOFF [_laughs_] Ah--you limb of Satan! - -THE BARON [_also laughs_] Hey, old man? Do you think it's true? It's -all from that book "Fatal Love" . . . it's all nonsense! Let her -alone! - -NATASHA. And what's it to you? Shut up--or God'll punish you! - -NASTYA [_bitterly_] God damn your soul! You worthless pig! -Soul--bah!--you haven't got one! - -LUKA [_takes Nastya's hand_] Come, dear! It's nothing! Don't be -angry--I know--I believe you! You're right, not they! If you believe -you had a real love affair, then you did--yes! And as for him--don't -be angry with a fellow-lodger . . . maybe he's really jealous, and -that's why he's laughing. Maybe he never had any real love--maybe -not--come on--let's go! - -NASTYA [_pressing her hand against her breast_] Grandfather! So help -me God--it happened! It happened! He was a student, a -Frenchman--Gastotcha was his name--he had a little black beard--and -patent leathers--may God strike me dead if I'm lying! And he loved me -so--my God, how he loved me! - -LUKA. Yes, yes, it's all right. I believe you! Patent leathers, you -said? Well, well, well--and you loved him, did you? [_Disappears with -her around the corner_] - -THE BARON. God--isn't she a fool, though? She's good-hearted--but such -a fool--it's past belief! - -BUBNOFF. And why are people so fond of lying--just as if they were up -before the judge--really! - -NATASHA. I guess lying is more fun than speaking the truth--I, -too . . . - -THE BARON. What--you, too? Go on! - -NATASHA. Oh--I imagine things--invent them--and I wait-- - -THE BARON. For what? - -NATASHA [_smiling confusedly_] Oh--I think that -perhaps--well--to-morrow somebody will really appear--some -one--oh--out of the ordinary--or something'll happen--also out of the -ordinary. . . . I've been waiting for it--oh--always. . . . But, -really, what is there to wait for? [_Pause_] - -THE BARON [_with a slight smile_] Nothing--I expect nothing! What is -past, is past! Through! Over with! And then what? - -NATASHA. And then--well--to-morrow I imagine suddenly that I'll -die--and I get frightened . . . in summer it's all right to dream of -death--then there are thunder storms--one might get struck by -lightning . . . - -THE BARON. You've a hard life . . . your sister's a wicked-tempered -devil! - -NATASHA. Tell me--does anybody live happily? It's hard for all of -us--I can see that . . . - -KLESHTCH [_who until this moment has sat motionless and indifferent, -jumps up suddenly_] For all? You lie! Not for all! If it were so--all -right! Then it wouldn't hurt--yes! - -BUBNOFF. What in hell's bit you? Just listen to him yelping! - -[_Kleshtch lies down again and grunts._] - -THE BARON. Well--I'd better go and make my peace with Nastinka--if I -don't, she won't treat me to vodka . . . - -BUBNOFF. Hm--people love to lie . . . with Nastka--I can see the -reason why. She's used to painting that mutt of hers--and now she -wants to paint her soul as well . . . put rouge on her soul, eh? But -the others--why do they? Take Luka for instance--he lies a lot . . . -and what does he get out of it? He's an old fellow, too--why does he -do it? - -THE BARON [_smiling and walking away_] All people have drab-colored -souls--and they like to brighten them up a bit . . . - -LUKA [_appearing from round the corner_] You, sir, why do you tease -the girl? Leave her alone--let her cry if it amuses her . . . she -weeps for her own pleasure--what harm is it to you? - -THE BARON. Nonsense, old man! She's a nuisance. Raoul to-day, Gaston -to-morrow--always the same old yarn, though! Still--I'll go and make -up with her. [_Leaves_] - -LUKA. That's right--go--and be nice to her. Being nice to people never -does them any harm . . . - -NATASHA. You're so good, little father--why are you so good? - -LUKA. Good, did you say? Well--call it that! [_Behind the brick wall -is heard soft singing and the sounds of a concertina_] Some one has to -be kind, girl--some one must pity people! Christ pitied everybody--and -he said to us: "Go and do likewise!" I tell you--if you pity a man -when he most needs it, good comes of it. Why--I used to be a watchman -on the estate of an engineer near Tomsk--all right--the house was -right in the middle of a forest--lonely place--winter came--and I -remained all by myself. Well--one night I heard a noise-- - -NATASHA. Thieves? - -LUKA. Exactly! Thieves creeping in! I took my gun--I went out. I -looked and saw two of them opening a window--and so busy that they -didn't even see me. I yell: "Hey there--get out of here!" And they -turn on me with their axes--I warn them to stand back, or I'd -shoot--and as I speak, I keep on covering them with my gun, first the -one, then the other--they go down on their knees, as if to implore me -for mercy. And by that time I was furious--because of those axes, you -see--and so I say to them: "I was chasing you, you scoundrels--and you -didn't go. Now you go and break off some stout branches!"--and they -did so--and I say: "Now--one of you lie down and let the other one -flog him!" So they obey me and flog each other--and then they begin to -implore me again. "Grandfather," they say, "for God's sake give us -some bread! We're hungry!" There's thieves for you, my dear! -[_Laughs_] And with an ax, too! Yes--honest peasants, both of them! -And I say to them, "You should have asked for bread straight away!" -And they say: "We got tired of asking--you beg and beg--and nobody -gives you a crumb--it hurts!" So they stayed with me all that -winter--one of them, Stepan, would take my gun and go shooting in the -forest--and the other, Yakoff, was ill most of the time--he coughed a -lot . . . and so the three of us together looked after the house . . . -then spring came . . . "Good-bye, grandfather," they said--and they -went away--back home to Russia . . . - -NATASHA. Were they escaped convicts? - -LUKA. That's just what they were--escaped convicts--from a Siberian -prison camp . . . honest peasants! If I hadn't felt sorry for -them--they might have killed me--or maybe worse--and then there would -have been trial and prison and afterwards Siberia--what's the sense of -it? Prison teaches no good--and Siberia doesn't either--but another -human being can . . . yes, a human being can teach another one -kindness--very simply! [_Pause_] - -BUBNOFF. Hm--yes--I, for instance, don't know how to lie . . . why--as -far as I'm concerned, I believe in coming out with the whole truth and -putting it on thick . . . why fuss about it? - -KLESHTCH [_again jumps up as if his clothes were on fire, and -screams_] What truth? Where is there truth? [_Tearing at his ragged -clothes_] Here's truth for you! No work! No strength! That's the only -truth! Shelter--there's no shelter! You die--that's the truth! Hell! -What do I want with the truth? Let me breathe! Why should I be blamed? -What do I want with truth? To live--Christ Almighty!--they won't let -you live--and that's another truth! - -BUBNOFF. He's mad! - -LUKA. Dear Lord . . . listen to me, brother-- - -KLESHTCH [_trembling with excitement_] They say: there's truth! You, -old man, try to console every one . . . I tell you--I hate every one! -And there's your truth--God curse it--understand? I tell you--God -curse it! - -[_Rushes away round the corner, turning as he goes._] - -LUKA. Ah--how excited he got! Where did he run off to? - -NATASHA. He's off his head . . . - -BUBNOFF. God--didn't he say a whole lot, though? As if he was playing -drama--he gets those fits often . . . he isn't used to life yet . . . - -PEPEL [_comes slowly round the corner_] Peace on all this honest -gathering! Well, Luka, you wily old fellow--still telling them -stories? - -LUKA. You should have heard how that fellow carried on! - -PEPEL. Kleshtch--wasn't it? What's wrong with him? He was running like -one possessed! - -LUKA. You'd do the same if your own heart were breaking! - -PEPEL [_sitting down_] I don't like him . . . he's got such a nasty, -bad temper--and so proud! [_Imitating Kleshtch_] "I'm a workman!" And -he thinks everyone's beneath him. Go on working if you feel like -it--nothing to be so damned haughty about! If work is the standard--a -horse can give us points--pulls like hell and says nothing! -Natasha--are your folks at home? - -NATASHA. They went to the cemetery--then to night service . . . - -PEPEL. So that's why you're free for once--quite a novelty! - -LUKA [_to Bubnoff, thoughtfully_] There--you say--truth! Truth doesn't -always heal a wounded soul. For instance, I knew of a man who believed -in a land of righteousness . . . - -BUBNOFF. In what? - -LUKA. In a land of righteousness. He said: "Somewhere on this earth -there must be a righteous land--and wonderful people live there--good -people! They respect each other, help each other, and everything is -peaceful and good!" And so that man--who was always searching for this -land of righteousness--he was poor and lived miserably--and when -things got to be so bad with him that it seemed there was nothing else -for him to do except lie down and die--even then he never lost -heart--but he'd just smile and say: "Never mind! I can stand it! A -little while longer--and I'll have done with this life--and I'll go in -search of the righteous land!"--it was his one happiness--the thought -of that land . . . - -PEPEL. Well? Did he go there? - -BUBNOFF. Where? Ho-ho! - -LUKA. And then to this place--in Siberia, by the way--there came a -convict--a learned man with books and maps--yes, a learned man who -knew all sorts of things--and the other man said to him: "Do me a -favor--show me where is the land of righteousness and how I can get -there." At once the learned man opened his books, spread out his maps, -and looked and looked and he said--no--he couldn't find this land -anywhere . . . everything was correct--all the lands on earth were -marked--but not this land of righteousness . . . - -PEPEL [_in a low voice_] Well? Wasn't there a trace of it? - -[_Bubnoff roars with laughter._] - -NATASHA. Wait . . . well, little father? - -LUKA. The man wouldn't believe it. . . . "It must exist," he said, -"look carefully. Otherwise," he says, "your books and maps are of no -use if there's no land of righteousness." The learned man was -offended. "My plans," he said, "are correct. But there exists no land -of righteousness anywhere." Well, then the other man got angry. He'd -lived and lived and suffered and suffered, and had believed all the -time in the existence of this land--and now, according to the plans, -it didn't exist at all. He felt robbed! And he said to the learned -man: "Ah--you scum of the earth! You're not a learned man at all--but -just a damned cheat!"--and he gave him a good wallop in the eye--then -another one . . . [_After a moment's silence_] And then he went home -and hanged himself! - -[_All are silent. Luka, smiling, looks at Pepel and Natasha._] - -PEPEL [_low-voiced_] To hell with this story--it isn't very cheerful -. . . - -NATASHA. He couldn't stand the disappointment . . . - -BUBNOFF [_sullen_] Ah--it's nothing but a fairy-tale . . . - -PEPEL. Well--there is the righteous land for you--doesn't exist, it -seems . . . - -NATASHA. I'm sorry for that man . . . - -BUBNOFF. All a story--ho-ho!--land of righteousness--what an idea! -[_Exit through window_] - -LUKA [_pointing to window_] He's laughing! [_Pause_] Well, children, -God be with you! I'll leave you soon . . . - -PEPEL. Where are you going to? - -LUKA. To the Ukraine--I heard they discovered a new religion there--I -want to see--yes! People are always seeking--they always want -something better--God grant them patience! - -PEPEL. You think they'll find it? - -LUKA. The people? They will find it! He who seeks, will find! He who -desires strongly, will find! - -NATASHA. If only they could find something better--invent something -better . . . - -LUKA. They're trying to! But we must help them girl--we must respect -them . . . - -NATASHA. How can I help them? I am helpless myself! - -PEPEL [_determined_] Again--listen--I'll speak to you again, -Natasha--here--before him--he knows everything . . . run away with me? - -NATASHA. Where? From one prison to another? - -PEPEL. I told you--I'm through with being a thief, so help me God! -I'll quit! If I say so, I'll do it! I can read and write--I'll -work--He's been telling me to go to Siberia on my own hook--let's go -there together, what do you say? Do you think I'm not disgusted with -my life? Oh--Natasha--I know . . . I see . . . I console myself with -the thought that there are lots of people who are honored and -respected--and who are bigger thieves than I! But what good is that to -me? It isn't that I repent . . . I've no conscience . . . but I do -feel one thing: One must live differently. One must live a better life -. . . one must be able to respect one's own self . . . - -LUKA. That's right, friend! May God help you! It's true! A man must -respect himself! - -PEPEL. I've been a thief from childhood on. Everybody always called me -"Vaska--the thief--the son of a thief!" Oh--very well then--I am a -thief-- . . . just imagine--now, perhaps, I'm a thief out of -spite--perhaps I'm a thief because no one ever called me anything -different. . . . Well, Natasha--? - -NATASHA [_sadly_] Somehow I don't believe in words--and I'm restless -to-day--my heart is heavy . . . as if I were expecting something . . . -it's a pity, Vassily, that you talked to me to-day . . . - -PEPEL. When should I? It isn't the first time I speak to you . . . - -NATASHA. And why should I go with you? I don't love you so very -much--sometimes I like you--and other times the mere sight of you -makes me sick . . . it seems--no--I don't really love you . . . when -one really loves, one sees no fault. . . . But I do see . . . - -PEPEL. Never mind--you'll love me after a while! I'll make you care -for me . . . if you'll just say yes! For over a year I've watched you -. . . you're a decent girl . . . you're kind--you're reliable--I'm -very much in love with you . . . - -[_Vassilisa, in her best dress, appears at window and listens._] - -NATASHA. Yes--you love me--but how about my sister . . . ? - -PEPEL [_confused_] Well, what of her? There are plenty like her . . . - -LUKA. You'll be all right, girl! If there's no bread, you have to eat -weeds . . . - -PEPEL [_gloomily_] Please--feel a little sorry for me! My life isn't -all roses--it's a hell of a life . . . little happiness in it . . . I -feel as if a swamp were sucking me under . . . and whatever I try to -catch and hold on to, is rotten . . . it breaks . . . Your -sister--oh--I thought she was different . . . if she weren't so greedy -after money . . . I'd have done anything for her sake, if she were -only all mine . . . but she must have someone else . . . and she has -to have money--and freedom . . . because she doesn't like the straight -and narrow . . . she can't help me. But you're like a young fir-tree -. . . you bend, but you don't break . . . - -LUKA. Yes--go with him, girl, go! He's a good lad--he's all right! -Only tell him every now and then that he's a good lad so that he won't -forget it--and he'll believe you. Just you keep on telling him "Vasya, -you're a good man--don't you forget it!" Just think, dear, where else -could you go except with him? Your sister is a savage beast . . . and -as for her husband, there's little to say of him? He's rotten beyond -words . . . and all this life here, where will it get you? But this -lad is strong . . . - -NATASHA. Nowhere to go--I know--I thought of it. The only thing -is--I've no faith in anybody--and there's no place for me to turn -to . . . - -PEPEL. Yes, there is! But I won't let you go that way--I'd rather cut -your throat! - -NATASHA [_smiling_] There--I'm not his wife yet--and he talks already -of killing me! - -PEPEL [_puts his arms around her_] Come, Natasha! Say yes! - -NATASHA [_holding him close_] But I'll tell you one thing, Vassily--I -swear it before God . . . the first time you strike me or hurt me any -other way, I'll have no pity on myself . . . I'll either hang myself -. . . or . . . - -PEPEL. May my hand wither if ever I touch you! - -LUKA. Don't doubt him, dear! He needs you more than you need him! - -VASSILISA [_from the window_] So now they're engaged! Love and advice! - -NATASHA. They've come back--oh, God--they saw--oh, Vassily . . . - -PEPEL. Why are you frightened? Nobody'll dare touch you now! - -VASSILISA. Don't be afraid, Natalia! He won't beat you . . . he don't -know how to love or how to beat . . . I know! - -LUKA [_in a low voice_] Rotten old hag--like a snake in the grass -. . . - -VASSILISA. He dares only with the word! - -KOSTILYOFF [_enters_] Natashka! What are you doing here, you parasite? -Gossiping? Kicking about your family? And the samovar not ready? And -the table not cleared? - -NATASHA [_going out_] I thought you were going to church . . . ? - -KOSTILYOFF. None of your business what we intended doing! Mind your -own affairs--and do what you're told! - -PEPEL. Shut up, you! She's no longer your servant! Don't go, -Natalia--don't do a thing! - -NATASHA. Stop ordering me about--you're commencing too soon! -[_Leaves_] - -PEPEL [_to Kostilyoff_] That's enough. You've used her long -enough--now she's mine! - -KOSTILYOFF. Yours? When did you buy her--and for how much? - -[_Vassilisa roars with laughter._] - -LUKA. Go away, Vasya! - -PEPEL. Don't laugh, you fools--or first thing you know I'll make you -cry! - -VASSILISA. Oh, how terrible! Oh--how you frighten me! - -LUKA. Vassily--go away! Don't you see--she's goading you on . . . -ridiculing you, don't you understand . . . ? - -PEPEL. Yes . . . You lie, lie! You won't get what you want! - -VASSILISA. Nor will I get what I don't want, Vasya! - -PEPEL [_shaking his fist at her_] We'll see . . . [_Exit_] - -VASSILISA [_disappearing through window_] I'll arrange some wedding -for you . . . - -KOSTILYOFF [_crossing to Luka_] Well, old man, how's everything? - -LUKA. All right! - -KOSTILYOFF. You're going away, they say--? - -LUKA. Soon. - -KOSTILYOFF. Where to? - -LUKA. I'll follow my nose . . . - -KOSTILYOFF. Tramping, eh? Don't like stopping in one place all the -time, do you? - -LUKA. Even water won't pass beneath a stone that's sunk too firmly in -the ground, they say . . . - -KOSTILYOFF. That's true for a stone. But man must settle in one place. -Men can't live like cockroaches, crawling about wherever they want. -. . . A man must stick to one place--and not wander about -aimlessly . . . - -LUKA. But suppose his home is wherever he hangs his hat? - -KOSTILYOFF. Why, then--he's a vagabond,--useless . . . a human being -must be of some sort of use--he must work . . . - -LUKA. That's what you think, eh? - -KOSTILYOFF. Yes--sure . . . just look! What's a vagabond? A strange -fellow . . . unlike all others. If he's a real pilgrim then he's some -good in the world . . . perhaps he discovered a new truth. Well--but -not every truth is worth while. Let him keep it to himself and shut up -about it! Or else--let him speak in a way which no one can understand -. . . don't let him interfere . . . don't let him stir up people -without cause! It's none of his business how other people live! Let -him follow his own righteous path . . . in the woods--or in a -monastery--away from everybody! He mustn't interfere--nor condemn -other people--but pray--pray for all of us--for all the world's -sins--for mine--for yours--for everybody's. To pray--that's why he -forsakes the world's turmoil! That's so! [_Pause_] But you--what sort -of a pilgrim are you--? An honest person must have a passport . . . -all honest people have passports . . . yes . . . ! - -LUKA. In this world there are people--and also just plain men . . . - -KOSTILYOFF. Don't coin wise sayings! Don't give me riddles! I'm as -clever as you . . . what's the difference--people and men? - -LUKA. What riddle is there? I say--there's sterile and there's fertile -ground . . . whatever you sow in it, grows . . . that's all . . . - -KOSTILYOFF. What do you mean? - -LUKA. Take yourself for instance . . . if the Lord God himself said to -you: "Mikhailo, be a man!"--it would be useless--nothing would come of -it--you're doomed to remain just as you are . . . - -KOSTILYOFF. Oh--but do you realize that my wife's uncle is a -policeman, and that if I . . . - -VASSILISA [_coming in_] Mikhail Ivanitch--come and have your tea . . . - -KOSTILYOFF [_to Luka_] You listen! Get out! You leave this -place--hear? - -VASSILISA. Yes--get out, old man! Your tongue's too long! And--who -knows--you may be an escaped convict . . . - -KOSTILYOFF. If I ever see sign of you again after to-day--well--I've -warned you! - -LUKA. You'll call your uncle, eh? Go on--call him! Tell him you've -caught an escaped convict--and maybe uncle'll get a reward--perhaps -all of three kopecks . . . - -BUBNOFF [_in the window_] What are you bargaining about? Three -kopecks--for what? - -LUKA. They're threatening to sell me . . . - -VASSILISA [_to her husband_] Come . . . - -BUBNOFF. For three kopecks? Well--look out, old man--they may even do -it for one! - -KOSTILYOFF [_to Bubnoff_] You have a habit of jumping up like a -jack-in-the-box! - -VASSILISA. The world is full of shady people and crooks-- - -LUKA. Hope you'll enjoy your tea! - -VASSILISA [_turning_] Shut up! You rotten toadstool! - -[_Leaves with her husband._] - -LUKA. I'm off to-night. - -BUBNOFF. That's right. Don't outstay your welcome! - -LUKA. True enough. - -BUBNOFF. I know. Perhaps I've escaped the gallows by getting away in -time . . . - -LUKA. Well? - -BUBNOFF. That's true. It was this way. My wife took up with my boss. -He was great at his trade--could dye a dog's skin so that it looked -like a raccoon's--could change cat's skin into kangaroo--muskrats, all -sorts of things. Well--my wife took up with him--and they were so mad -about each other that I got afraid they might poison me or something -like that--so I commenced beating up my wife--and the boss beat me -. . . we fought savagely! Once he tore off half my whiskers--and broke -one of my ribs . . . well, then I, too, got enraged. . . . I cracked -my wife over the head with an iron yard-measure--well--and altogether -it was like an honest-to-God war! And then I saw that nothing really -could come of it . . . they were planning to get the best of me! So I -started planning--how to kill my wife--I thought of it a whole lot -. . . but I thought better of it just in time . . . and got away . . . - -LUKA. That was best! Let them go on changing dogs into raccoons! - -BUBNOFF. Only--the shop was in my wife's name . . . and so I did -myself out of it, you see? Although, to tell the truth, I would have -drunk it away . . . I'm a hard drinker, you know . . . - -LUKA. A hard drinker--oh . . . - -BUBNOFF. The worst you ever met! Once I start drinking, I drink -everything in sight, I'll spend every bit of money I have--everything -except my bones and my skin . . . what's more, I'm lazy . . . it's -terrible how I hate work! - -[_Enter Satine and the Actor, quarreling._] - -SATINE. Nonsense! You'll go nowhere--it's all a damned lie! Old man, -what did you stuff him with all those fairy-tales for? - -THE ACTOR. You lie! Grandfather! Tell him that he lies!--I am going -away. I worked to-day--I swept the streets . . . and I didn't have a -drop of vodka. What do you think of that? Here they are--two fifteen -kopeck pieces--and I'm sober! - -SATINE. Why--that's absurd! Give it to me--I'll either drink it up--or -lose it at cards . . . - -THE ACTOR. Get out--this is for my journey . . . - -LUKA [_to Satine_] And you--why are you trying to lead him astray? - -SATINE. Tell me, soothsayer, beloved by the Gods, what's my future -going to be? I've gone to pieces, brother--but everything isn't lost -yet, grandfather . . . there are sharks in this world who got more -brains than I! - -LUKA. You're cheerful, Constantine--and very agreeable! - -BUBNOFF. Actor, come over here! [_The Actor crosses to window, sits -down on the sill before Bubnoff, and speaks in a low voice with him_] - -SATINE. You know, brother, I used to be a clever youngster. It's nice -to think of it. I was a devil of a fellow . . . danced splendidly, -played on the stage, loved to amuse people . . . it was awfully -gay . . . - -LUKA. How did you get to be what you are? - -SATINE. You're inquisitive, old man! You want to know everything? What -for? - -LUKA. I want to understand the ways of men--I look at you, and I don't -understand. You're a bold lad, Constantine, and you're no fool . . . -yet, all of a sudden . . . - -SATINE. It's prison, grandfather--I spent four years and seven months -in prison . . . afterwards--where could I go? - -LUKA. Aha! What were you there for? - -SATINE. On account of a scoundrel--whom I killed in a fit of rage -. . . and despair . . . and in prison I learned to play cards . . . - -LUKA. You killed--because of a woman? - -SATINE. Because of my own sister. . . . But look here--leave me alone! -I don't care for these cross-examinations--and all this happened a -long time ago. It's already nine years since my sister's death. . . . -Brother, she was a wonderful girl . . . - -LUKA. You take life easily! And only a while ago that locksmith was -here--and how he did yell! - -SATINE. Kleshtch? - -LUKA. Yes--"There's no work," he shouted; "there isn't anything . . ." - -SATINE. He'll get used to it. What could I do? - -LUKA [_softly_] Look--here he comes! - -[_Kleshtch walks in slowly, his head bowed low._] - -SATINE. Hey, widower! Why are you so down in the mouth? What are you -thinking? - -KLESHTCH. I'm thinking--what'll I do? I've no food--nothing--the -funeral ate up all . . . - -SATINE. I'll give you a bit of advice . . . do nothing! Just be a -burden to the world at large! - -KLESHTCH. Go on--talk--I'd be ashamed of myself . . . - -SATINE. Why--people aren't ashamed to let you live worse than a dog. -Just think . . . you stop work--so do I--so do hundreds, thousands of -others--everybody--understand?--everybody'll quit working . . . -nobody'll do a damned thing--and then what'll happen? - -KLESHTCH. They'll all starve to death . . . - -LUKA [_to Satine_] If those are your notions, you ought to join the -order of Begunes--you know--there's some such organization . . . - -SATINE. I know--grandfather--and they're no fools . . . - -[_Natasha is heard screaming behind Kostilyoff's window: "What for? -Stop! What have I done?"_] - -LUKA [_worried_] Natasha! That was she crying--oh, God . . . - -[_From Kostilyoff's room is heard noise, shuffling, breaking of -crockery, and Kostilyoff's shrill cry: "Ah! Heretic! Bitch!"_] - -VASSILISA. Wait, wait--I'll teach her--there, there! - -NATASHA. They're beating me--killing me . . . - -SATINE [_shouts through the window_] Hey--you there--. . . - -LUKA [_trembling_] Where's Vassily--? Call Vaska--oh, God--listen, -brothers . . . - -THE ACTOR [_running out_] I'll find him at once! - -BUBNOFF. They beat her a lot these days . . . - -SATINE. Come on, old man--we'll be witnesses . . . - -LUKA [_following Satine_] Oh--witnesses--what for? Vassily--he should -be called at once! - -NATASHA. Sister--sister dear! Va-a-a . . . - -BUBNOFF. They've gagged her--I'll go and see . . . - -[_The noise in Kostilyoff's room dies down gradually as if they had -gone into the hallway. The old man's cry: "Stop!" is heard. A door is -slammed noisily, and the latter sound cuts off all the other noises -sharply. Quiet on the stage. Twilight._] - -KLESHTCH [_seated on the sledge, indifferently, rubbing his hands; -mutters at first indistinguishably, then:_] What then? One must live. -[_Louder_] Must have shelter--well? There's no shelter, no -roof--nothing . . . there's only man--man alone--no hope . . . no -help . . . - -[_Exit slowly, his head bent. A few moments of ominous silence, then -somewhere in the hallway a mass of sounds, which grows in volume and -comes nearer. Individual voices are heard._] - -VASSILISA. I'm her sister--let go . . . - -KOSTILYOFF. What right have you . . . ? - -VASSILISA. Jail-bird! - -SATINE. Call Vaska--quickly! Zob--hit him! - -[_A police whistle. The Tartar runs in, his right hand in a sling._] - -THE TARTAR. There's a new law for you--kill only in daytime! - -[_Enter Zob, followed by Miedviedieff._] - -ZOB. I handed him a good one! - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. You--how dare you fight? - -THE TARTAR. What about yourself? What's your duty? - -MIEDVIEDIEFF [_running after_] Stop--give back my whistle! - -KOSTILYOFF [_runs in_] Abram! Stop him! Hold him! He's a murderer--he -. . . - -[_Enter Kvashnya and Nastya supporting Natasha who is disheveled. -Satine backs away, pushing away Vassilisa who is trying to attack her -sister, while, near her, Alyoshka jumps up and down like a madman, -whistles into her ear, shrieking, roaring. Also other ragged men and -women._] - -SATINE [_to Vassilisa_] Well--you damned bitch! - -VASSILISA. Let go, you jail-bird! I'll tear you to pieces--if I have -to pay for it with my own life! - -KVASHNYA [_leading Natasha aside_] You--Karpovna--that's enough--stand -back--aren't you ashamed? Or are you crazy? - -MIEDVIEDIEFF [_seizes Satine_] Aha--caught at last! - -SATINE. Zob--beat them up! Vaska--Vaska . . . - -[_They all, in a chaotic mass, struggle near the brick wall. They lead -Natasha to the right, and set her on a pile of wood. Pepel rushes in -from the hallway and, silently, with powerful movements, pushes the -crowd aside._] - -PEPEL. Natalia, where are you . . . you . . . - -KOSTILYOFF [_disappearing behind a corner_] Abram! Seize Vaska! -Comrades--help us get him! The thief! The robber! - -PEPEL. You--you old bastard! [_Aiming a terrific blow at Kostilyoff. -Kostilyoff falls so that only the upper part of his body is seen. -Pepel rushes to Natasha_] - -VASSILISA. Beat Vaska! Brothers! Beat the thief! - -MIEDVIEDIEFF [_yells to Satine_] Keep out of this--it's a family -affair . . . they're relatives--and who are you . . . - -PEPEL [_to Natasha_] What did she do to you? She used a knife? - -KVASHNYA. God--what beasts! They've scalded the child's feet with -boiling water! - -NASTYA. They overturned the samovar . . . - -THE TARTAR. Maybe an accident--you must make sure--you can't exactly -tell . . . - -NATASHA [_half fainting_] Vassily--take me away-- - -VASSILISA. Good people! Come! Look! He's dead! Murdered! - -[_All crowd into the hallway near Kostilyoff. Bubnoff leaves the crowd -and crosses to Pepel._] - -BUBNOFF [_in a low voice, to Pepel_] Vaska--the old man is done for! - -PEPEL [_looks at him, as though he does not understand_] Go--for -help--she must be taken to the hospital . . . I'll settle with -them . . . - -BUBNOFF. I say--the old man--somebody's killed him . . . - -[_The noise on the stage dies out like a fire under water. Distinct, -whispered exclamations: "Not really?" "Well--let's go away, brothers!" -"The devil!" "Hold on now!" "Let's get away before the police comes!" -The crowd disappears. Bubnoff, the Tartar, Nastya, and Kvashnya, rush -up to Kostilyoff's body._] - -VASSILISA [_rises and cries out triumphantly_] Killed--my husband's -killed! Vaska killed him! I saw him! Brothers, I saw him! -Well--Vasya--the police! - -PEPEL [_moves away from Natasha_] Let me alone. [_Looks at Kostilyoff; -to Vassilisa_] Well--are you glad? [_Touches the corpse with his -foot_] The old bastard is dead! Your wish has been granted! Why not do -the same to you? [_Throws himself at her_] - -[_Satine and Zob quickly overpower him, and Vassilisa disappears in -the passage._] - -SATINE. Come to your senses! - -ZOB. Hold on! Not so fast! - -VASSILISA [_appearing_] Well, Vaska, dear friend? You can't escape -your fate. . . . Police--Abram--whistle! - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. Those devils tore my whistle off! - -ALYOSHKA. Here it is! [_Whistles, Miedviedieff runs after him_] - -SATINE [_leading Pepel to Natasha_] Don't be afraid, Vaska! Killed in -a row! That's nonsense--only manslaughter--you won't have to serve a -long term . . . - -VASSILISA. Hold Vaska--he killed him--I saw it! - -SATINE. I, too, gave the old man a couple of blows--he was easily -fixed . . . you call me as witness, Vaska! - -PEPEL. I don't need to defend myself . . . I want to drag Vassilisa -into this mess--and I'll do it--she was the one who wanted it . . . -she was the one who urged me to kill him--she goaded me on . . . - -NATASHA [_sudden and loud_] Oh--I understand--so that's it, Vassily? -Good people! They're both guilty--my sister and he--they're both -guilty! They had it all planned! So, Vassily, that's why you spoke to -me a while ago--so that she should overhear everything--? Good people! -She's his mistress--you know it--everybody knows it--they're both -guilty! She--she urged him to kill her husband--he was in their -way--and so was I! And now they've maimed me . . . - -PEPEL. Natalia! What's the matter with you? What are you saying? - -SATINE. Oh--hell! - -VASSILISA. You lie. She lies. He--Vaska killed him . . . - -NATASHA. They're both guilty! God damn you both! - -SATINE. What a mix-up! Hold on, Vassily--or they'll ruin you between -them! - -ZOB. I can't understand it--oh--what a mess! - -PEPEL. Natalia! It can't be true! Surely you don't believe that -I--with her-- - -SATINE. So help me God, Natasha! Just think . . . - -VASSILISA [_in the passage_] They've killed my husband--Your -Excellency! Vaska Pepel, the thief, killed him. Captain! I saw -it--everybody saw it . . . - -NATASHA [_tossing about in agony; her mind wandering_] Good people--my -sister and Vaska killed him! The police--listen--this sister of -mine--here--she urged, coaxed her lover--there he stands--the -scoundrel! They both killed him! Put them in jail! Bring them before -the judge! Take me along, too! To prison! Christ Almighty--take me to -prison, too! - -CURTAIN. - - - -ACT FOUR. - -_Same as Act I. But Pepel's room is no longer there, and the partition -has been removed. Furthermore, there is no anvil at the place where -Kleshtch used to sit and work. In the corner, where Pepel's room used -to be, the Tartar lies stretched out, rather restless, and groaning -from time to time. Kleshtch sits at one end of the table, repairing a -concertina and now and then testing the stops. At the other end of the -table sit Satine, the Baron, and Nastya. In front of them stand a -bottle of vodka, three bottles of beer, and a large loaf of black -bread. The Actor lies on top of the stove, shifting about and -coughing. It is night. The stage is lit by a lamp in the middle of the -table. Outside the wind howls._ - -KLESHTCH. Yes . . . he disappeared during the confusion and noise -. . . - -THE BARON. He vanished under the very eyes of the police--just like a -puff of smoke . . . - -SATINE. That's how sinners flee from the company of the righteous! - -NASTYA. He was a dear old soul! But you--you aren't men--you're -just--oh--like rust on iron! - -THE BARON [_drinks_] Here's to you, my lady! - -SATINE. He was an inquisitive old fellow--yes! Nastenka here fell in -love with him . . . - -NASTYA. Yes! I did! Madly! It's true! He saw everything--understood -everything . . . - -SATINE [_laughing_] Yes, generally speaking, I would say that he -was--oh--like mush to those who can't chew. . . . - -THE BARON [_laughing_] Right! Like plaster on a boil! - -KLESHTCH. He was merciful--you people don't know what pity means . . . - -SATINE. What good can I do you by pitying you? - -KLESHTCH. You needn't have pity--but you needn't harm or offend your -fellow-beings, either! - -THE TARTAR [_sits up on his bunk, nursing his wounded hand carefully_] -He was a fine old man. The law of life was the law of his heart . . . -and he who obeys this law, is good, while he who disregards it, -perishes . . . - -THE BARON. What law, Prince? - -THE TARTAR. There are a number--different ones--you know . . . - -THE BARON. Proceed! - -THE TARTAR. Do not do harm unto others--such is the law! - -SATINE. Oh--you mean the Penal Code, criminal and correctional, eh? - -THE BARON. And also the Code of Penalties inflicted by Justices of the -Peace! - -THE TARTAR. No. I mean the Koran. It is the supreme law--and your own -soul ought to be the Koran--yes! - -KLESHTCH [_testing his concertina_] It wheezes like all hell! But the -Prince speaks the truth--one must live abiding by the law--by the -teachings of the Gospels . . . - -SATINE. Well--go ahead and do it! - -THE BARON. Just try it! - -THE TARTAR. The Prophet Mohammed gave to us the law. He said: "Here is -the law! Do as it is written therein!" Later on a time will arrive -when the Koran will have outlived its purpose--and time will bring -forth its own laws--every generation will create its own . . . - -SATINE. To be sure! Time passed on--and gave us--the Criminal Code -. . . It's a strong law, brother--it won't wear off so very soon! - -NASTYA [_banging her glass on the table_] Why--why do I stay -here--with you? I'll go away somewhere--to the ends of the world! - -THE BARON. Without any shoes, my lady? - -NASTYA. I'll go--naked, if must be--creeping on all fours! - -THE BARON. That'll be rather picturesque, my lady--on all fours! - -NASTYA. Yes--and I'll crawl if I have to--anything at all--as long as -I don't have to see your faces any longer--oh, I'm so sick of it -all--the life--the people--everything! - -SATINE. When you go, please take the actor along--he's preparing to go -to the very same place--he has learned that within a half mile's -distance of the end of the world there's a hospital for diseased -organons . . . - -THE ACTOR [_raising his head over the top of the stove_] A hospital -for organisms--you fool! - -SATINE. For organons--poisoned with vodka! - -THE ACTOR. Yes! He will go! He will indeed! You'll see! - -THE BARON. Who is he, sir? - -THE ACTOR. I! - -THE BARON. Thanks, servant of the goddess--what's her name--? The -goddess of drama--tragedy--whatever is her name--? - -THE ACTOR. The muse, idiot! Not the goddess--the muse! - -SATINE. Lachesis--Hera--Aphrodite--Atropos--oh! To hell with them all! -You see--Baron--it was the old man who stuffed the actor's head full -with this rot . . . - -THE BARON. That old man's a fool . . . - -THE ACTOR. Ignoramuses! Beasts! Melpomene--that's her name! Heartless -brutes! Bastards! You'll see! He'll go! "On with the orgy, dismal -spirits!"--poem--ah--by Béranger! Yes--he'll find some spot where -there's no--no . . . - -THE BARON. Where there's nothing, sir? - -THE ACTOR. Right! Nothing! "This hole shall be my grave--I am -dying--ill and exhausted . . ." Why do you exist? Why? - -THE BARON. You! God or genius or orgy--or whatever you are--don't roar -so loud! - -THE ACTOR. You lie! I'll roar all I want to! - -NASTYA [_lifting her head from the table and throwing up her hands_] -Go on! Yell! Let them listen to you! - -THE BARON. Where is the sense, my lady? - -SATINE. Leave them alone, Baron! To hell with the lot! Let them -yell--let them knock their damned heads off if they feel like it! -There's a method in their madness! Don't you go and interfere with -people as that old fellow did! Yes--it's he--the damned old fool--he -bewitched the whole gang of us! - -KLESHTCH. He persuaded them to go away--but failed to show them the -road . . . - -THE BARON. That old man was a humbug! - -NASTYA. Liar! You're a humbug yourself! - -THE BARON. Shut up, my lady! - -KLESHTCH. The old man didn't like truth very much--as a matter of fact -he strongly resented it--and wasn't he right, though? Just look--where -is there any truth? And yet, without it, you can't breathe! For -instance, our Tartar Prince over there, crushed his hand at his -work--and now he'll have to have his arm amputated--and there's the -truth for you! - -SATINE [_striking the table with his clenched fist_] Shut up! You sons -of bitches! Fools! Not another word about that old fellow! [_To the -Baron_] You, Baron, are the worst of the lot! You don't understand a -thing, and you lie like the devil! The old man's no humbug! What's the -truth? Man! Man--that's the truth! He understood man--you don't! -You're all as dumb as stones! I understand the old man--yes! He -lied--but lied out of sheer pity for you . . . God damn you! Lots of -people lie out of pity for their fellow-beings! I know! I've read -about it! They lie--oh--beautifully, inspiringly, stirringly! Some -lies bring comfort, and others bring peace--a lie alone can justify -the burden which crushed a workman's hand and condemns those who are -starving! I know what lying means! The weakling and the one who is a -parasite through his very weakness--they both need lies--lies are -their support, their shield, their armor! But the man who is strong, -who is his own master, who is free and does not have to suck his -neighbors' blood--he needs no lies! To lie--it's the creed of slaves -and masters of slaves! Truth is the religion of the free man! - -THE BARON. Bravo! Well spoken! Hear, hear! I agree! You speak like an -honest man! - -SATINE. And why can't a crook at times speak the truth--since honest -people at times speak like crooks? Yes--I've forgotten a lot--but I -still know a thing or two! The old man? Oh--he's wise! He affected me -as acid affects a dirty old silver coin! Let's drink to his health! -Fill the glasses . . . [_Nastya fills a glass with beer and hands it -to Satine, who laughs_] The old man lives within himself . . . he -looks upon all the world from his own angle. Once I asked him: -"Grand-dad, why do people live?" [_Tries to imitate Luka's voice and -gestures_] And he replied: "Why, my dear fellow, people live in the -hope of something better! For example--let's say there are carpenters -in this world, and all sorts of trash . . . people . . . and they give -birth to a carpenter the like of which has never been seen upon the -face of the earth . . . he's way above everybody else, and has no -equal among carpenters! The brilliancy of his personality was -reflected on all his trade, on all the other carpenters, so that they -advanced twenty years in one day! This applies to all other -trades--blacksmiths and shoemakers and other workmen--and all the -peasants--and even the aristocrats live in the hopes of a higher life! -Each individual thinks that he's living for his own Self, but in -reality he lives in the hope of something better. A hundred -years--sometimes longer--do we expect, live for the finer, higher life -. . ." [_Nastya stares intently into Satine's face. Kleshtch stops -working and listens. The Baron bows his head very low, drumming softly -on the table with his fingers. The Actor, peering down from the stove, -tries to climb noiselessly into the bunk_] "Every one, brothers, every -one lives in the hope of something better. That's why we must respect -each and every human being! How do we know who he is, why he was born, -and what he is capable of accomplishing? Perhaps his coming into the -world will prove to be our good fortune . . . Especially must we -respect little children! Children--need freedom! Don't interfere with -their lives! Respect children!" [_Pause_] - -THE BARON [_thoughtfully_] Hm--yes--something better?--That reminds me -of my family . . . an old family dating back to the time of Catherine -. . . all noblemen, soldiers, originally French . . . they served -their country and gradually rose higher and higher. In the days of -Nicholas the First my grandfather, Gustave DeBille, held a high -post--riches--hundreds of serfs . . . horses--cooks-- - -NASTYA. You liar! It isn't true! - -THE BARON [_jumping up_] What? Well--go on-- - -NASTYA. It isn't true. - -THE BARON [_screams_] A house in Moscow! A house in Petersburg! -Carriages! Carriages with coats of arms! - -[_Kleshtch takes his concertina and goes to one side, watching the -scene with interest._] - -NASTYA. You lie! - -THE BARON. Shut up!--I say--dozens of footmen . . . - -NASTYA [_delighted_] You lie! - -THE BARON. I'll kill you! - -NASTYA [_ready to run away_] There were no carriages! - -SATINE. Stop, Nastenka! Don't infuriate him! - -THE BARON. Wait--you bitch! My grandfather . . . - -NASTYA. There was no grandfather! There was nothing! - -[_Satine roars with laughter._] - -THE BARON [_worn out with rage, sits down on bench_] Satine! Tell that -slut--what--? You, too, are laughing? You--don't believe me either? -[_Cries out in despair, pounding the table with his fists_] It's -true--damn the whole lot of you! - -NASTYA [_triumphantly_] So--you're crying? Understand now what a human -being feels like when nobody believes him? - -KLESHTCH [_returning to the table_] I thought there'd be a fight . . . - -THE TARTAR. Oh--people are fools! It's too bad . . . - -THE BARON. I shall not permit any one to ridicule me! I have -proofs--documents--damn you! - -SATINE. Forget it! Forget about your grandfather's carriages! You -can't drive anywhere in a carriage of the past! - -THE BARON. How dare she--just the same--? - -NASTYA. Just imagine! How dare I--? - -SATINE. You see--she does dare! How is she any worse than you are? -Although, surely, in her past there wasn't even a father and mother, -let alone carriages and a grandfather . . . - -THE BARON [_quieting down_] Devil take you--you do know how to argue -dispassionately--and I, it seems--I've no will-power . . . - -SATINE. Acquire some--it's useful . . . [_Pause_] Nastya! Are you -going to the hospital? - -NASTYA. What for? - -SATINE. To see Natashka. - -NASTYA. Oh--just woke up, did you? She's been out of the hospital for -some time--and they can't find a trace of her . . . - -SATINE. Oh--that woman's a goner! - -KLESHTCH. It's interesting to see whether Vaska will get the best of -Vassilisa, or the other way around--? - -NASTYA. Vassilisa will win out! She's shrewd! And Vaska will go to the -gallows! - -SATINE. For manslaughter? No--only to jail . . . - -NASTYA. Too bad--the gallows would have been better . . . that's where -all of you should be sent . . . swept off into a hole--like -filth . . . - -SATINE [_astonished_] What's the matter? Are you crazy? - -THE BARON. Oh--give her a wallop--that'll teach her to be less -impertinent . . . - -NASTYA. Just you try to touch me! - -THE BARON. I shall! - -SATINE. Stop! Don't insult her! I can't get the thought of the old man -out of my head! [_Roars with laughter_] Don't offend your -fellow-beings! Suppose I were offended once in such a way that I'd -remember it for the rest of my life? What then? Should I forgive? No, -no! - -THE BARON [_to Nastya_] You must understand that I'm not your sort -. . . you--ah--you piece of dirt! - -NASTYA. You bastard! Why--you live off me like a worm off an apple! - -[_The men laugh amusedly._] - -KLESHTCH. Fool! An apple--? - -THE BARON. You can't be angry with her--she's just an ass-- - -NASTYA. You laugh! Liars? Don't strike you as funny, eh? - -THE ACTOR [_morosely_] Give them a good beating! - -NASTYA. If I only could! [_Takes a cup from the table and throws it on -the floor_] That's what I'd like to do to you all! - -THE TARTAR. Why break dishes--eh--silly girl? - -THE BARON [_rising_] That'll do! I'll teach her manners in half a -second! - -NASTYA [_running toward door_] Go to hell! - -SATINE [_calling after her_] Hey! That's enough! Whom are you trying -to frighten? What's all the row about, anyway? - -NASTYA. Dogs! I hope you'll croak! Dogs! [_Runs out_] - -THE ACTOR [_morosely_] Amen! - -THE TARTAR. Allah! Mad women, these Russians! They're bold, wilful; -Tartar women aren't like that! They know the law and abide by -it. . . . - -KLESHTCH. She ought to be given a sound hiding! - -THE BARON. The slut! - -KLESHTCH [_testing the concertina_] It's ready! But its owner isn't -here yet--that young fellow is burning his life away . . . - -SATINE. Care for a drink--now? - -KLESHTCH. Thanks . . . it's time to go to bed . . . - -SATINE. Getting used to us? - -KLESHTCH [_drinks, then goes to his bunk_] It's all right . . . there -are people everywhere--at first you don't notice it . . . but after a -while you don't mind. . . . - -[_The Tartar spreads some rags over his bunk, then kneels on them and -prays._] - -THE BARON [_to Satine, pointing at the Tartar_] Look! - -SATINE. Stop! He's a good fellow! Leave him alone! [_Roars with -laughter_] I feel kindly to-day--the devil alone knows the reason -why . . . - -THE BARON. You always feel kindly when you're drunk--you're even wiser -at such times . . . - -SATINE. When I'm drunk? Yes--then I like everything--right--He prays? -That's fine! A man may believe or not--that's his own affair--a man is -free--he pays for everything himself--belief or unbelief--love--wisdom -. . . a man pays for everything--and that's just why he's free! Man -is--truth! And what is man? It's neither you nor I nor they--oh, -no--it's you and they and I and the old man--and -Napoleon--Mohammed--all in one! [_Outlines vaguely in the air the -contour of a human being_] Do you understand? It's tremendous! It -contains the beginning and the end of everything--everything is in -man--and everything exists for him! Man alone exists--everything else -is the creation of his hands and his brain! Man! It is glorious! It -sounds--oh--so big! Man must be respected--not degraded with pity--but -respected, respected! Let us drink to man, Baron! [_Rises_] It is good -to feel that you are a man! I'm a convict, a murderer, a -crook--granted!--When I'm out on the street people stare at me as if I -were a scoundrel--they draw away from me--they look after me and often -they say: "You dog! You humbug! Work!" Work? And what for? to fill my -belly? [_Roars with laughter_] I've always despised people who worry -too much about their bellies. It isn't right, Baron! It isn't! Man is -loftier than that! Man stands above hunger! - -THE BARON. You--reason things out. . . . Well and good--it brings you -a certain amount of consolation. . . . Personally I'm incapable of it -. . . I don't know how. [_Glances around him and then, softly, -guardedly_] Brother--I am afraid--at times. Do you understand? -Afraid!--Because--what next? - -SATINE. Rot! What's a man to be afraid of? - -THE BARON [_pacing up and down_] You know--as far back as I can -remember, there's been a sort of fog in my brain. I was never able to -understand anything. Somehow I feel embarrassed--it seems to me that -all my life I've done nothing but change clothes--and why? I don't -understand! I studied--I wore the uniform of the Institute for the -Sons of the Nobility . . . but what have I learned? I don't remember! -I married--I wore a frock-coat--then a dressing-gown . . . but I chose -a disagreeable wife . . . and why? I don't understand. I squandered -everything that I possessed--I wore some sort of a grey jacket and -brick-colored trousers--but how did I happen to ruin myself? I haven't -the slightest idea. . . . I had a position in the Department of State. -. . . I wore a uniform and a cap with insignia of rank. . . . I -embezzled government funds . . . so they dressed me in a convict's -garb--and later on I got into these clothes here--and it all happened -as in a dream--it's funny . . . - -SATINE. Not very! It's rather--silly! - -THE BARON. Yes--silly! I think so, too. Still--wasn't I born for some -sort of purpose? - -SATINE [_laughing_] Probably--a man is born to conceive a better man. -[_Shaking his head_]--It's all right! - -THE BARON. That she-devil Nastka! Where did she run to? I'll go and -see--after all, she . . . [_Exit; pause_] - -THE ACTOR. Tartar! [_Pause_] Prince! [_The Tartar looks round_] Say a -prayer for me . . . - -THE TARTAR. What? - -THE ACTOR [_softly_] Pray--for me! - -THE TARTAR [_after a silence_] Pray for your own self! - -THE ACTOR [_quickly crawls off the stove and goes to the table, pours -out a drink with shaking hands, drinks, then almost runs to passage_] -All over! - -SATINE. Hey, proud Sicambrian! Where are you going? - -[_Satine whistles. Miedviedieff enters, dressed in a woman's flannel -shirt-waist; followed by Bubnoff. Both are slightly drunk. Bubnoff -carries a bunch of pretzels in one hand, a couple of smoked fish in -the other, a bottle of vodka under one arm, another bottle in his coat -pocket._] - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. A camel is something like a donkey--only it has no ears. -. . . - -BUBNOFF. Shut up! You're a variety of donkey yourself! - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. A camel has no ears at all, at all--it hears through its -nostrils . . . - -BUBNOFF [_to Satine_] Friend! I've looked for you in all the saloons -and all the cabarets! Take this bottle--my hands are full . . . - -SATINE. Put the pretzels on the table--then you'll have one hand -free-- - -BUBNOFF. Right! Hey--you donkey--look! Isn't he a clever fellow? - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. All crooks are clever--I know! They couldn't do a thing -without brains. An honest man is all right even if he's an idiot . . . -but a crook must have brains. But, speaking about camels, you're wrong -. . . you can ride them--they have no horns . . . and no teeth -either . . . - -BUBNOFF. Where's everybody? Why is there no one here? Come on out -. . . I treat! Who's in the corner? - -SATINE. How soon will you drink up everything you have? Scarecrow! - -BUBNOFF. Very soon! I've very little this time. Zob--where's Zob? - -KLESHTCH [_crossing to table_] He isn't here . . . - -BUBNOFF. Waughrr! Bull-dog! Brr-zz-zz!--Turkey-cock! Don't bark and -don't growl! Drink--make merry--and don't be sullen!--I treat -everybody--Brother, I love to treat--if I were rich, I'd run a free -saloon! So help me God, I would! With an orchestra and a lot of -singers! Come, every one! Drink and eat--listen to the music--and rest -in peace! Beggars--come, all you beggars--and enter my saloon free of -charge! Satine--you can have half my capital--just like that! - -SATINE. You better give me all you have straight away! - -BUBNOFF. All my capital? Right now? Well--here's a ruble--here's -twenty kopecks--five kopecks--sun flower seeds--and that's all! - -SATINE. That's splendid! It'll be safer with me--I'll gamble with it -. . . - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. I'm a witness--the money was given you for safe-keeping. -How much is it? - -BUBNOFF. You? You're a camel--we don't need witnesses . . . - -ALYOSHKA [_comes in barefoot_] Brothers, I got my feet wet! - -BUBNOFF. Go on and get your throat wet--and nothing'll happen--you're -a fine fellow--you sing and you play--that's all right! But it's too -bad you drink--drink, little brother, is harmful, very harmful . . . - -ALYOSHKA. I judge by you! Only when you're drunk do you resemble a -human being . . . Kleshtch! Is my concertina fixed? [_Sings and -dances_] - - "If my mug were not so attractive, - My sweetheart wouldn't love me at all . . ." - -Boys, I'm frozen--it's cold . . . - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. Hm--and may I ask who's this sweetheart? - -BUBNOFF. Shut up! From now on, brother, you are neither a policeman -nor an uncle! - -ALYOSHKA. Just auntie's husband! - -BUBNOFF. One of your nieces is in jail--the other one's dying . . . - -MIEDVIEDIEFF [_proudly_] You lie! She's not dying--she -disappeared--without trace . . . - -[_Satine roars._] - -BUBNOFF. All the same, brothers--a man without nieces isn't an uncle! - -ALYOSHKA. Your Excellency! Listen to the drummer of the retired -billygoats' brigade! [_Sings_] - - "My sweetheart has money, - I haven't a cent. - But I'm a cheerful, - Merry lad!" - -Oh--isn't it cold! - -[_Enter Zob. From now until the final curtain men and women drift in, -undress, and stretch out on the bunks, grumbling._] - -ZOB. Bubnoff! Why did you run off? - -BUBNOFF. Come here--sit down--brother, let's sing my favorite ditty, -eh? - -THE TARTAR. Night was made for sleep! Sing your songs in the daytime! - -SATINE. Well--never mind, Prince--come here! - -THE TARTAR. What do you mean--never mind? There's going to be a -noise--there always is when people sing! - -BUBNOFF [_crossing to the Tartar_] Count--ah--I mean Prince--how's -your hand? Did they cut it off? - -THE TARTAR. What for? We'll wait and see--perhaps it won't be -necessary . . . a hand isn't made of iron--it won't take long to cut -it off . . . - -ZOB. It's your own affair, Hassanka! You'll be good for nothing -without your hand. We're judged by our hands and backs--without the -pride of your hand, you're no longer a human being. -Tobacco-carting--that's your business! Come on--have a drink of -vodka--and stop worrying! - -KVASHNYA [_comes in_] Ah, my beloved fellow-lodgers! It's horrible -outside--snow and slush . . . is my policeman here? - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. Right here! - -KVASHNYA. Wearing my blouse again? And drunk, eh? What's the idea? - -MIEDVIEDIEFF. In celebration of Bubnoff's birthday . . . besides, it's -cold . . . - -KVASHNYA. Better look out--stop fooling about and go to sleep! - -MIEDVIEDIEFF [_goes to kitchen_] Sleep? I can--I want to--it's -time--[_Exit_] - -SATINE. What's the matter? Why are you so strict with him? - -KVASHNYA. You can't be otherwise, friend. You have to be strict with -his sort. I took him as a partner. I thought he'd be of some benefit -to me--because he's a military man--and you're a rough lot . . . and I -am a woman--and now he's turned drunkard--that won't do at all! - -SATINE. You picked a good one for partner! - -KVASHNYA. Couldn't get a better one. You wouldn't want to live with me -. . . you think you're too fine! And even if you did it wouldn't last -more than a week . . . you gamble me and all I own away at cards! - -SATINE [_roars with laughter_] That's true, landlady--I'd gamble . . . - -KVASHNYA. Yes, yes. Alyoshka! - -ALYOSHKA. Here he is--I, myself! - -KVASHNYA. What do you mean by gossiping about me? - -ALYOSHKA. I? I speak out everything--whatever my conscience tells me. -There, I say, is a wonderful woman! Splendid meat, fat, bones--over -four hundred pounds! But brains--? Not an ounce! - -KVASHNYA. You're a liar! I've lot of brains! What do you mean by -saying I beat my policeman? - -ALYOSHKA. I thought you did--when you pulled him by the hair! - -KVASHNYA [_laughs_] You fool! You aren't blind, are you? Why wash -dirty linen in public? And--it hurts his feelings--that's why he took -to drink . . . - -ALYOSHKA. It's true, evidently, that even a chicken likes vodka . . . - -[_Satine and Kleshtch roar with laughter._] - -KVASHNYA. Go on--show your teeth! What sort of a man are you anyway, -Alyoshka? - -ALYOSHKA. Oh--I am first-rate! Master of all trades! I follow my nose! - -BUBNOFF [_near the Tartar's bunk_] Come on! At all events--we won't -let you sleep! We'll sing all night. Zob! - -ZOB. Sing--? All right . . . - -ALYOSHKA. And I'll play . . . - -SATINE. We'll listen! - -THE TARTAR [_smiling_] Well--Bubnoff--you devil--bring the -vodka--we'll drink--we'll have a hell of a good time! The end will -come soon enough--and then we'll be dead! - -BUBNOFF. Fill his glass, Satine! Zob--sit down! Ah--brothers--what -does a man need after all? There, for instance, I've had a drink--and -I'm happy! Zob! Start my favorite song! I'll sing--and then I'll cry. -. . . - -ZOB [_begins to sing_] - - "The sun rises and sets . . ." - -BUBNOFF [_joining in_] - - "But my prison is all dark. . . ." - -[_Door opens quickly._] - -THE BARON [_on the threshold; yells_] Hey--you--come--come here! Out -in the waste--in the yard . . . over there . . . The actor--he's -hanged himself. . . . - -[_Silence. All stare at the Baron. Behind him appears Nastya, and -slowly, her eyes wide with horror, she walks to the table._] - -SATINE [_in a matter-of-fact voice_] Damned fool--he ruined the song -. . . ! - -CURTAIN. - - - -Transcriber's Note - -This transcription is based on images digitized by the University of -Connecticut and posted by the Internet Archive at: - - https://archive.org/details/lowerdepthsdrama00gork - -In general, this transcription attempts to retain the formatting, -punctuation and spelling of the source text. The following changes -were noted: - --- p. 8: I'm sick myself--poisoned with alchohol . . .--Changed -"alchohol" to "alcohol". - --- The portrait of Gorky originally between pages 26 and 27 was moved -so that it appears after page 28, between Acts One and Two. - --- p. 50: SATINE [_screams_] The dead can't hear . . . the dead do not -feel--Scream!--Roar! . . . the deaf don't hear!--A hand-written note -in the source images changed the word "deaf" to "dead". To verify the -change, translations by David Magarshack, in _The Storm and Other -Russian Plays_ (New York: Hill and Wang, 1960), Edwin Hopkins (first -published in the Winter 1905 issue of _Poet Lore_ as "A Night's -Lodging"), and Laurence Irving (London: T. Fisher Unwin, 1912?) were -checked. As a result, the line "the deaf don't hear!" was changed to -"the dead don't hear!" - --- p. 72: You can't escape your fate. . . . -police--Abram--whistle!--Capitalized "police" for consistency. - --- p. 75: The law of life was the law of his heart. . . . and he who -obeys this law, is good--The period preceding the ellipsis was deleted -for consistency. - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Lower Depths, by Maksim Gorky - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LOWER DEPTHS *** - -***** This file should be named 52468-8.txt or 52468-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/2/4/6/52468/ - -Produced by Paul Haxo with special thanks to the Internet -Archive and the University of Connecticut. - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - -Title: The Lower Depths - A Drama in Four Acts - -Author: Maksim Gorky - -Contributor: Oliver M. Sayler - -Translator: Jenny Covan - -Release Date: July 1, 2016 [EBook #52468] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LOWER DEPTHS *** - - - - -Produced by Paul Haxo with special thanks to the Internet -Archive and the University of Connecticut. - - - - - - -</pre> - -<div class="cover"> -<img alt="[Cover]" src="images/cover.jpg" title="Cover" height="100%"/> -</div> - -<div class="chapter" id="Front_Matter"> -<div id="toc" class="toc"> -<p class="center bigfont italics pad_top_half_em">THE LOWER DEPTHS</p> - -<p class="center slightlybigfont italics"><a id="introduction_toc" -href="#introduction">Introduction</a></p> - -<p class="center slightlybigfont italics"><a id="cast_toc" href="#cast">Cast of -Characters</a></p> - -<p class="center slightlybigfont italics"><a id="Act_One_toc" href="#Act_One">Act -One</a></p> - -<p class="center slightlybigfont italics"><a id="Act_Two_toc" href="#Act_Two">Act -Two</a></p> - -<p class="center slightlybigfont italics"><a id="Act_Three_toc" href="#Act_Three">Act -Three</a></p> - -<p class="center slightlybigfont italics"><a id="Act_Four_toc" href="#Act_Four">Act -Four</a></p> - -<p class="center slightlybigfont italics pad_top_half_em"><a id="tnote_toc" -href="#tnote">Transcriber’s Note</a></p> -</div> - -<div class="pagebreak"></div> - -<p class="pad_top_5em center slightlybigfont">THE LOWER DEPTHS</p> - -<p class="center smallerfont">BY</p> - -<p class="center">MAXIM GORKY</p> - -<div class="pagebreak"></div> - -<div class="pad_top_3em pad_illus_bottom" id="frontispiece"> -<p class="center"><img alt="[Frontispiece]" src="images/frontispiece.jpg" title="A SCENE -IN ACT I OF MAXIM GORKY’S MASTERPIECE" width="95%" /></p> - -<p class="smallerfont center">A SCENE IN ACT I OF MAXIM GORKY’S MASTERPIECE, “THE LOWER -DEPTHS,” AT THE MOSCOW ART THEATRE. STANISLAVSKY IN THE RĂ”LE OF SATINE SITS ON THE -TABLE</p> -</div> - -<div class="pagebreak"></div> - -<div class="title_page" id="title_page"> -<p class="center"><span class="series_title">THE MOSCOW ART THEATRE</span></p> - -<p class="center"><span class="series_title border">SERIES OF RUSSIAN PLAYS</span></p> - -<p class="center series_editor"><i>Edited by</i> OLIVER M. SAYLER</p> - -<p class="title">THE<br /> -LOWER DEPTHS</p> - -<p class="center smallishfont italics">A DRAMA IN FOUR ACTS</p> - -<p class="center smallerfont pad_top_1em">BY</p> - -<p class="center slightlybigfont">MAXIM GORKY</p> - -<p class="center italics smallerfont pad_top_half_em">English translation by</p> - -<p class="center smallfont">JENNY COVAN</p> - -<div class="pad_top_1em pad_illus_bottom" id="decoration"> -<p class="center"><img alt="[Decoration]" src="images/decoration.jpg" height="10%" /></p> -</div> - -<p class="center pad_top_half_em">NEW YORK</p> - -<p class="center slightlybigfont">BRENTANOS</p> - -<p class="center"><small>PUBLISHERS</small></p> -</div> - -<div class="pagebreak"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-ii">[Pg ii]</a></span></p> - -<div class="verso" id="verso"> -<p class="center">C<small>OPYRIGHT</small>, <small>1922</small>, <small>BY</small> MORRIS -GEST</p> - -<p class="center italics">All rights reserved</p> -</div> - -<div class="pagebreak"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-iii">[Pg iii]</a></span></p> - -<h3 id="introduction"><a href="#introduction_toc">INTRODUCTION</a></h3> - -<p><i>De profundis ad te clamavi.</i> In this phrase, with his penchant for epitome, the -late James Huneker summarized the masterpiece of Russia’s single living master of the -drama, Maxim Gorky, as he saw it in Berlin under the German title of “Nachtasyl” or “Night -Lodging.” “Na Dnye” is the Russian—literally “On the Bottom.” Partly because “The Lower -Depths” is a more faithful rendering of the original than “Night Lodging” and partly -because it implies so vividly the play’s keynote as the shrewd Huneker detected it beneath -a guise alien to both Russian and English, the title adopted by Laurence Irving for the -British version has been preferred for its introduction to American audiences by the -company which discovered it and first set it on its stage in Moscow, December 31 (our -calendar), 1902.</p> - -<p>In “The Lower Depths” more than in any other single play throughout its history, the -Moscow Art Theatre concentrates its dramatic ideals and methods, its esthetic theory and -practice, and through the production of this play it most emphatically justifies its -artistic faith in spiritual or psychological realism as a dramatic medium of expression. -The plays of Tchekhoff, of course, serve the same ends, but no single one of them does so -quite as richly as does Gorky’s masterpiece. At the hands of Stanislavsky and his -associates, “The Lower Depths” draws much of its convincing power from its unusual use of -and dependence on the channels of expression which are peculiar to the art of the theatre. -It is almost wholly independent of drama as literature. Less than any play I know, is it -possible to imagine its potential effect in the theatre from a reading of its printed -lines. <span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-iv">[Pg iv]</a></span>In my book, -“The Russian Theatre,” I have thus analyzed this factor:</p> - -<p>“â€The Lower Depths’ is not so much a matter of utterable line and recountable gesture -as it is of the intangible flow of human souls in endlessly shifting contact with one -another. Awkward but eloquent pauses and emphases, the scarcely perceptible stress or -dulling of word or gesture, the nuances and the shadings of which life is mostly made and -by which it reveals its meaning—these, and the instinctive understanding of the vision of -the playwright by those who seek to interpret him, are the incalculable and unrecordable -channels through which â€The Lower Depths’ becomes articulate at the Moscow Art -Theatre.”</p> - -<p>Just as this theatre discovered or, rather, rescued Tchekhoff as a dramatist, so it -first stood sponsor for the author of “Foma Gordeyeff” as a playwright. During the first -half of the season of 1902-1903, two of his plays were produced—“Smug Citizens” and “The -Lower Depths.” The latter was recognized at once as a work of supreme merit and moment. -Tchekhoff himself had written to its youthful author five months before its première: “I -have read your play. It is new and unmistakably fine. The second act is very good, it is -the best, the strongest, and when I was reading it, especially the end, I almost danced -with joy.” At the première, the rival dramatist’s verdict was publicly ratified, for Gorky -was called before the curtain twenty times, and the press was unanimously enthusiastic. -The play has held its place in the repertory of the Moscow Art Theatre ever since, and -eight of its most important rĂ´les are still played by those who created them, just two -decades ago.</p> - -<p>Miss Covan’s translation of this play, I believe, deserves particular attention. There -have been numerous translations, differing only in the nature of their ineptitude. Here -for the first time, the vigor, the virility, <span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" -id="page-v">[Pg v]</a></span>the humanity and the humor of the original survive the -transfer from the Russian tongue to our own, without mysterious and vaguely symbolic -“meanings” gratuitously appended. As nearly as it is possible with printed words to convey -the impression which Gorky desires and obtains through the intangible media of the living -stage, the following version succeeds. I realized for the first time, as I read it, that -the overwhelming impression of the play at the hands of the Moscow Art Theatre is due as -much to the genius of the playwright as to that of his interpreters.</p> - -<p class="signature">T<small>HE</small> E<small>DITOR</small>.</p> - -<div class="pagebreak"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-vi">[Pg vi]</a></span></p> - -<h3><a id="cast" href="#cast_toc">CAST OF CHARACTERS.</a></h3> - -<div class="center"> -<table class="cast" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary="Cast"> -<tbody> -<tr> -<td colspan="3" class="tdl">M<small>IKHAIL</small> I<small>VANOFF</small> -K<small>OSTILYOFF</small>—<i>Keeper of a night lodging.</i></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td colspan="3" class="tdl">V<small>ASSILISA</small> K<small>ARPOVNA</small>—<i>His -wife.</i></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td colspan="3" class="tdl">N<small>ATASHA</small>—<i>Her sister.</i></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td colspan="3" class="tdl">M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>—<i>Her uncle, a -policeman.</i></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td colspan="3" class="tdl">V<small>ASKA</small> P<small>EPEL</small>—<i>A young -thief.</i></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td colspan="3" class="tdl">A<small>NDREI</small> M<small>ITRITCH</small> -K<small>LESHTCH</small>—<i>A locksmith.</i></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td colspan="3" class="tdl">A<small>NNA</small>—<i>His wife.</i></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td colspan="3" class="tdl">N<small>ASTYA</small>—<i>A street-walker.</i></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td colspan="3" class="tdl">K<small>VASHNYA</small>—<i>A vendor of meat-pies.</i></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td colspan="3" class="tdl">B<small>UBNOFF</small>—<i>A cap-maker.</i></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td colspan="3" class="tdl">T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>.</td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td colspan="3" class="tdl">S<small>ATINE</small>.</td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td colspan="3" class="tdl">T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>.</td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td colspan="3" class="tdl">L<small>UKA</small>—<i>A pilgrim.</i></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td colspan="3" class="tdl">A<small>LYOSHKA</small>—<i>A shoemaker.</i></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl">K<small>RIVOY</small> Z<small>OB</small></td> -<td rowspan="2" class="td_b">}</td> -<td rowspan="2" class="tdl_2 italics">Porters.</td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl">T<small>HE</small> T<small>ARTAR</small></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td colspan="3" class="tdl">N<small>IGHT</small> L<small>ODGERS</small>, -T<small>RAMPS</small> <small>AND</small> O<small>THERS</small>.</td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td colspan="3" class="tdc italics pad_top_half_em">The action takes place in a Night -Lodging and in “The Waste,” an area in its rear.</td> -</tr> - -</tbody> -</table> -</div> -</div> - -<div class="chapter" id="Act_One_div"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p> - -<h3><a id="Act_One" href="#Act_One_toc">ACT ONE.</a></h3> - -<div class="setting"> -<p><i>A cellar resembling a cave. The ceiling, which merges into stone walls, is low and -grimy, and the plaster and paint are peeling off. There is a window, high up on the right -wall, from which comes the light. The right corner, which constitutes Pepel’s room, is -partitioned off by thin boards. Close to the corner of this room is Bubnoff’s wooden bunk. -In the left corner stands a large Russian stove. In the stone wall, left, is a door -leading to the kitchen where live Kvashnya, the Baron, and Nastya. Against the wall, -between the stove and the door, is a large bed covered with dirty chintz. Bunks line the -walls. In the foreground, by the left wall, is a block of wood with a vise and a small -anvil fastened to it, and another smaller block of wood somewhat further towards the back. -Kleshtch is seated on the smaller block, trying keys into old locks. At his feet are two -large bundles of various keys, wired together, also a battered tin samovar, a hammer, and -pincers. In the centre are a large table, two benches, and a stool, all of which are of -dirty, unpainted wood. Behind the table Kvashnya is busying herself with the samovar. The -Baron sits chewing a piece of black bread, and Nastya occupies the stool, leans her elbows -on the table, and reads a tattered book. In the bed, behind curtains, Anna lies coughing. -Bubnoff is seated on his bunk, attempting to shape a pair of old trousers with the help of -an ancient hat shape which he holds between his knees. Scattered about him are pieces of -buckram, oilcloth, and rags. Satine, just awakened, lies in his bunk, grunting. On top of -the</i> <span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-2">[Pg 2]</a></span><i>stove, -the Actor, invisible to the audience, tosses about and coughs.</i></p> - -<p class="italics">It is an early spring morning.</p> -</div> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. And then?</p> - -<p>K<small>VASHNYA</small>. No, my dear, said I, keep away from me with such proposals. -I’ve been through it all, you see—and not for a hundred baked lobsters would I marry -again!</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small> [<i>to Satine</i>] What are you grunting about? [<i>Satine keeps -on grunting</i>]</p> - -<p>K<small>VASHNYA</small>. Why should I, said I, a free woman, my own mistress, enter my -name into somebody else’s passport and sell myself into slavery—no! Why—I wouldn’t marry a -man even if he were an American prince!</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. You lie!</p> - -<p>K<small>VASHNYA</small>. Wha-at?</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. You lie! You’re going to marry Abramka. . . .</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small> [<i>snatching the book out of Nastya’s hand and -reading the title</i>] “Fatal Love” . . . [<i>Laughs</i>]</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small> [<i>stretching out her hand</i>] Give it back—give it back! Stop -fooling!</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>The Baron looks at her and waves the book in the air</i>]</p> - -<p>K<small>VASHNYA</small> [<i>to Kleshtch</i>] You crimson goat, you—calling me a liar! -How dare you be so rude to me?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small> [<i>hitting Nastya on the head with the -book</i>] Nastya, you little fool!</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small> [<i>reaching for the book</i>] Give it back!</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. Oh—what a great lady . . . but you’ll marry Abramka -just the same—that’s all you’re waiting for . . .</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-3">[Pg 3]</a></span></p> - -<p>K<small>VASHNYA</small>. Sure! Anything else? You nearly beat your wife to death!</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. Shut up, you old bitch! It’s none of your business!</p> - -<p>K<small>VASHNYA</small>. Ho-ho! can’t stand the truth, can you?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. They’re off again! Nastya, where are you?</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small> [<i>without lifting her head</i>] Hey—go away!</p> - -<p>A<small>NNA</small> [<i>putting her head through the curtains</i>] The day has started. -For God’s sake, don’t row!</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. Whining again!</p> - -<p>A<small>NNA</small>. Every blessed day . . . let me die in peace, can’t -you?</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Noise won’t keep you from dying.</p> - -<p>K<small>VASHNYA</small> [<i>walking up to Anna</i>] Little mother, how did you ever -manage to live with this wretch?</p> - -<p>A<small>NNA</small>. Leave me alone—get away from me. . . .</p> - -<p>K<small>VASHNYA</small>. Well, well! You poor soul . . . how’s the pain in -the chest—any better?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. Kvashnya! Time to go to market. -. . .</p> - -<p>K<small>VASHNYA</small>. We’ll go presently. [<i>To Anna</i>] Like some hot -dumplings?</p> - -<p>A<small>NNA</small>. No, thanks. Why should I eat?</p> - -<p>K<small>VASHNYA</small>. You must eat. Hot food—good for you! I’ll leave you some in a -cup. Eat them when you feel like it. Come on, sir! [<i>To Kleshtch</i>] You evil spirit! -[<i>Goes into kitchen</i>]</p> - -<p>A<small>NNA</small> [<i>coughing</i>] Lord, Lord . . .</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small> [<i>painfully pushing forward Nastya’s -head</i>] Throw it away—little fool!</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small> [<i>muttering</i>] Leave me alone—I don’t bother you -. . .</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>The Baron follows Kvashnya, whistling.</i>]</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-4">[Pg 4]</a></span></p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small> [<i>sitting up in his bunk</i>] Who beat me up yesterday?</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Does it make any difference who?</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Suppose they did—but why did they?</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Were you playing cards?</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Yes!</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. That’s why they beat you.</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Scoundrels!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small> [<i>raising his head from the top of the -stove</i>] One of these days they’ll beat you to death!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. You’re a jackass!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. Why?</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Because a man can die only once!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small> [<i>after a silence</i>] I don’t -understand—</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. Say! You crawl from that stove—and start cleaning house! Don’t -play the delicate primrose!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. None of your business!</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. Wait till Vassilisa comes—she’ll show you whose business it -is!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. To hell with Vassilisa! To-day is the Baron’s -turn to clean. . . . Baron!</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>The Baron comes from the kitchen.</i>]</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. I’ve no time to clean . . . I’m -going to market with Kvashnya.</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. That doesn’t concern me. Go to the gallows if -you like. It’s your turn to sweep the floor just the same—I’m not going to do other -people’s work . . .</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. Go to blazes! Nastya will do it. Hey -there—fatal love! Wake up! [<i>Takes the book away from Nastya</i>]</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small> [<i>getting up</i>] What do you want? Give it <span -class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-5">[Pg 5]</a></span>back to me! You scoundrel! -And that’s a nobleman for you!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small> [<i>returning the book to her</i>] Nastya! -Sweep the floor for me—will you?</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small> [<i>goes to kitchen</i>] Not so’s you’ll notice it!</p> - -<p>K<small>VASHNYA</small> [<i>to the Baron through kitchen door</i>] Come on—you! They -don’t need you! Actor! You were asked to do it, and now you go ahead and attend to it—it -won’t kill you . . .</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. It’s always I . . . I don’t -understand why. . . .</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>The Baron comes from the kitchen, across his shoulders a wooden -beam from which hang earthen pots covered with rags.</i>]</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. Heavier than ever!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. It paid you to be born a Baron, eh?</p> - -<p>K<small>VASHNYA</small> [<i>to Actor</i>] See to it that you sweep up! [<i>Crosses to -outer door, letting the Baron pass ahead</i>]</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small> [<i>climbing down from the stove</i>] It’s bad -for me to inhale dust. [<i>With pride</i>] My organism is poisoned with alcohol. [<i>Sits -down on a bunk, meditating</i>]</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Organism—organon. . . .</p> - -<p>A<small>NNA</small>. Andrei Mitritch. . . .</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. What now?</p> - -<p>A<small>NNA</small>. Kvashnya left me some dumplings over there—you eat them!</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small> [<i>coming over to her</i>] And you—don’t you want any?</p> - -<p>A<small>NNA</small>. No. Why should I eat? You’re a workman—you need it.</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. Frightened, are you? Don’t be! You’ll get all right!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-6">[Pg 6]</a></span></p> - -<p>A<small>NNA</small>. Go and eat! It’s hard on me. . . . I suppose very soon -. . .</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small> [<i>walking away</i>] Never mind—maybe you’ll get well—you can -never tell! [<i>Goes into kitchen</i>]</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small> [<i>loud, as if he had suddenly awakened</i>] -Yesterday the doctor in the hospital said to me: “Your organism,” he said, “is entirely -poisoned with alcohol . . .”</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small> [<i>smiling</i>] Organon . . .</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small> [<i>stubbornly</i>] Not organon—organism!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Sibylline. . . .</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small> [<i>shaking his fist at him</i>] Nonsense! I’m -telling you seriously . . . if the organism is poisoned . . . that -means it’s bad for me to sweep the floor—to inhale the dust . . .</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Macrobistic . . . hah!</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. What are you muttering?</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Words—and here’s another one for you—transcendentalistic -. . .</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. What does it mean?</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Don’t know—I forgot . . .</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Then why did you say it?</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Just so! I’m bored, brother, with human words—all our words. -Bored! I’ve heard each one of them a thousand times surely.</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. In Hamlet they say: “Words, words, words!” -It’s a good play. I played the grave-digger in it once. . . .</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Kleshtch comes from the kitchen.</i>]</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. Will you start playing with the broom?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. None of your business. [<i>Striking his -chest</i>] Ophelia! O—remember me in thy prayers!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-7">[Pg 7]</a></span></p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Back stage is heard a dull murmur, cries, and a police whistle. -Kleshtch sits down to work, filing screechily.</i>]</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. I love unintelligible, obsolete words. When I was a -youngster—and worked as a telegraph operator—I read heaps of books. . . .</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Were you really a telegrapher?</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. I was. There are some excellent books—and lots of curious words -. . . Once I was an educated man, do you know?</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. I’ve heard it a hundred times. Well, so you were! That isn’t -very important! Me—well—once I was a furrier. I had my own shop—what with dyeing the fur -all day long, my arms were yellow up to the elbows, brother. I thought I’d never be able -ever to get clean again—that I’d go to my grave, all yellow! But look at my hands -now—they’re plain dirty—that’s what!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Well, and what then?</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. That’s all!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. What are you trying to prove?</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Oh, well—just matching thoughts—no matter how much dye you get -on yourself, it all comes off in the end—yes, yes—</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Oh—my bones ache!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small> [<i>sits, nursing his knees</i>] Education is -all rot. Talent is the thing. I knew an actor—who read his parts by heart, syllable by -syllable—but he played heroes in a way that . . . why—the whole theatre would -rock with ecstasy!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Bubnoff, give me five kopecks.</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. I only have two—</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. I say—talent, that’s what you need to play -heroes. And talent is nothing but faith in yourself, in your own powers—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-8">[Pg 8]</a></span></p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Give me five kopecks and I’ll have faith that you’re a hero, a -crocodile, or a police inspector—Kleshtch, give me five kopecks.</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. Go to hell! All of you!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. What are you cursing for? I know you haven’t a kopeck in the -world!</p> - -<p>A<small>NNA</small>. Andrei Mitritch—I’m suffocating—I can’t breathe—</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. What shall I do?</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Open the door into the hall.</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. All right. You’re sitting on the bunk, I on the floor. You -change places with me, and I’ll let you open the door. I have a cold as it is.</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small> [<i>unconcernedly</i>] I don’t care if you open the door—it’s -your wife who’s asking—</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small> [<i>morosely</i>] I don’t care who’s asking—</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. My head buzzes—ah—why do people have to hit each other over the -heads?</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. They don’t only hit you over the head, but over the rest of the -body as well. [<i>Rises</i>] I must go and buy some thread—our bosses are late -to-day—seems as if they’ve croaked. [<i>Exit</i>]</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Anna coughs; Satine is lying down motionless, his hands folded -behind his head.</i>]</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small> [<i>looks about him morosely, then goes to -Anna</i>] Feeling bad, eh?</p> - -<p>A<small>NNA</small>. I’m choking—</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. If you wish, I’ll take you into the hallway. -Get up, then, come! [<i>He helps her to rise, wraps some sort of a rag about her -shoulders, and supports her toward the hall</i>] It isn’t easy. I’m sick myself—poisoned -with alcohol . . .</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Kostilyoff appears in the doorway.</i>]</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-9">[Pg 9]</a></span></p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small>. Going for a stroll? What a nice couple—the gallant cavalier -and the lady fair!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. Step aside, you—don’t you see that we’re -invalids?</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small>. Pass on, please! [<i>Hums a religious tune, glances about -him suspiciously, and bends his head to the left as if listening to what is happening in -Pepel’s room. Kleshtch is jangling his keys and scraping away with his file, and looks -askance at the other</i>] Filing?</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. What?</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small>. I say, are you filing? [<i>Pause</i>] What did I want to -ask? [<i>Quick and low</i>] Hasn’t my wife been here?</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. I didn’t see her.</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small> [<i>carefully moving toward Pepel’s room</i>] You take up a -whole lot of room for your two rubles a month. The bed—and your bench—yes—you take up five -rubles’ worth of space, so help me God! I’ll have to put another half ruble to your -rent—</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. You’ll put a noose around my neck and choke me . . . -you’ll croak soon enough, and still all you think of is half rubles—</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small>. Why should I choke you? What would be the use? God be with -you—live and prosper! But I’ll have to raise you half a ruble—I’ll buy oil for the ikon -lamp, and my offering will atone for my sins, and for yours as well. You don’t think much -of your sins—not much! Oh, Andrushka, you’re a wicked man! Your wife is dying because of -your wickedness—no one loves you, no one respects you—your work is squeaky, jarring on -every one.</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small> [<i>shouts</i>] What do you come here for—just to annoy me?</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Satine grunts loudly.</i>]</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small> [<i>with a start</i>] God, what a noise!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-10">[Pg 10]</a></span></p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>The Actor enters.</i>]</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. I’ve put her down in the hall and wrapped her -up.</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small>. You’re a kindly fellow. That’s good. Some day you’ll be -rewarded for it.</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. When?</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small>. In the Beyond, little brother—there all our deeds will be -reckoned up.</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. Suppose you reward me right now?</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small>. How can I do that?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. Wipe out half my debt.</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small>. He-ho! You’re always jesting, darling—always poking fun -. . . can kindliness of heart be repaid with gold? Kindliness—it’s above all -other qualities. But your debt to me—remains a debt. And so you’ll have to pay me back. -You ought to be kind to me, an old man, without seeking for reward!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. You’re a swindler, old man! [<i>Goes into -kitchen</i>]</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Kleshtch rises and goes into the hall.</i>]</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small> [<i>to Satine</i>] See that squeaker—? He ran away—he doesn’t -like me!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Does anybody like you besides the Devil?</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small> [<i>laughing</i>] Oh—you’re so quarrelsome! But I like you -all—I understand you all, my unfortunate down-trodden, useless brethren . . . -[<i>Suddenly, rapidly</i>] Is Vaska home?</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. See for yourself—</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small> [<i>goes to the door and knocks</i>] Vaska!</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>The Actor appears at the kitchen door, chewing -something.</i>]</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Who is it?</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small>. It’s I—I, Vaska!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-11">[Pg 11]</a></span></p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. What do you want?</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small> [<i>stepping aside</i>] Open!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small> [<i>without looking at Kostilyoff</i>] He’ll open—and she’s -there—</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>The Actor makes a grimace.</i>]</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small> [<i>in a low, anxious tone</i>] Eh? Who’s there? What?</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Speaking to me?</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small>. What did you say?</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Oh—nothing—I was just talking to myself—</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small>. Take care, brother. Don’t carry your joking too far! -[<i>Knocks loudly at door</i>] Vassily!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>opening door</i>] Well? What are you disturbing me for?</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small> [<i>peering into room</i>] I—you see—</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Did you bring the money?</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small>. I’ve something to tell you—</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Did you bring the money?</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small>. What money? Wait—</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Why—the seven rubles for the watch—well?</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small>. What watch, Vaska? Oh, you—</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Look here. Yesterday, before witnesses, I sold you a watch for -ten rubles, you gave me three—now let me have the other seven. What are you blinking for? -You hang around here—you disturb people—and don’t seem to know yourself what you’re -after.</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small>. Sh-sh! Don’t be angry, Vaska. The watch—it is—</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Stolen!</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small> [<i>sternly</i>] I do not accept stolen goods—how can you -imagine—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-12">[Pg 12]</a></span></p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>taking him by the shoulder</i>] What did you disturb me for? -What do you want?</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small>. I don’t want—anything. I’ll go—if you’re in such a -state—</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Be off, and bring the money!</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small>. What ruffians! I—I—[<i>Exit</i>]</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. What a farce!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. That’s fine—I like it.</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. What did he come here for?</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small> [<i>laughing</i>] Don’t you understand? He’s looking for his -wife. Why don’t you beat him up once and for all, Vaska?</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Why should I let such trash interfere with my life?</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Show some brains! And then you can marry Vassilisa—and become -our boss—</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Heavenly bliss! And you’d smash up my household and, because I’m -a soft-hearted fool, you’ll drink up everything I possess. [<i>Sits on a bunk</i>] Old -devil—woke me up—I was having such a pleasant dream. I dreamed I was fishing—and I caught -an enormous trout—such a trout as you only see in dreams! I was playing him—and I was so -afraid the line would snap. I had just got out the gaff—and I thought to myself—in a -moment—</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. It wasn’t a trout, it was Vassilisa—</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. He caught Vassilisa a long time ago.</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>angrily</i>] You can all go to the devil—and Vassilisa with -you—</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Kleshtch comes from the hall.</i>]</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. Devilishly cold!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. Why didn’t you bring Anna back? She’ll freeze, -out there—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-13">[Pg 13]</a></span></p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. Natasha took her into the kitchen—</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. The old man will kick her out—</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small> [<i>sitting down to his work</i>] Well—Natasha will bring her -in here—</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Vassily—give me five kopecks!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small> [<i>to Satine</i>] Oh, you—always five -kopecks—Vassya—give us twenty kopecks—</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. I’d better give it to them now before they ask for a ruble. Here -you are!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Gibraltar! There are no kindlier people in the world than -thieves!</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small> [<i>morosely</i>] They earn their money easily—they don’t -work—</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Many earn it easily, but not many part with it so easily. Work? -Make work pleasant—and maybe I’ll work too. Yes—maybe. When work’s a pleasure, life’s, -too. When it’s toil, then life is a drudge. [<i>To the Actor</i>] You, Sardanapalus! Come -on!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. Let’s go, Nebuchadnezzar! I’ll get as drunk as -forty thousand topers!</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>They leave.</i>]</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>yawning</i>] Well, how’s your wife?</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. It seems as if soon—[<i>Pause.</i>]</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Now I look at you—seems to me all that filing and scraping of -yours is useless.</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. Well—what else can I do?</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Nothing.</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. How can I live?</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. People manage, somehow.</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. Them? Call them people? Muck and dregs—that’s what they are! -I’m a workman—I’m ashamed even to look at them. I’ve slaved since I was a child. -. . . D’you think I shan’t be able to tear myself <span class="pagenum"><a -class="newpage" id="page-14">[Pg 14]</a></span>away from here? I’ll crawl out of here, -even if I have to leave my skin behind—but crawl out I will! Just wait . . . my -wife’ll die . . . I’ve lived here six months, and it seems like six years.</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Nobody here’s any worse off than you . . . say what you -like . . .</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. No worse is right. They’ve neither honor nor conscience.</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>indifferently</i>] What good does it do—honor or conscience? -Can you get them on their feet instead of on their uppers—through honor and conscience? -Honor and conscience are needed only by those who have power and energy -. . .</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small> [<i>coming back</i>] Oh—I’m frozen . . .</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Bubnoff! Got a conscience?</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. What? A conscience?</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Exactly!</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. What do I need a conscience for? I’m not rich.</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Just what I said: honor and conscience are for the rich—right! -And Kleshtch is upbraiding us because we haven’t any!</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Why—did he want to borrow some of it?</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. No—he has plenty of his own . . .</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Oh—are you selling it? You won’t sell much around here. But if -you had some old boxes, I’d buy them—on credit . . .</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>didactically</i>] You’re a jackass, Andrushka! On the subject -of conscience you ought to hear Satine—or the Baron . . .</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. I’ve nothing to talk to them about!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. They have more brains than you—even if they’re drunkards -. . .</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-15">[Pg 15]</a></span></p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. He who can be drunk and wise at the same time is doubly blessed -. . .</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Satine says every man expects his neighbor to have a conscience, -but—you see—it isn’t to any one’s advantage to have one—that’s a fact.</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Natasha enters, followed by Luka who carries a stick in his hand, -a bundle on his back, a kettle and a teapot slung from his belt.</i>]</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. How are you, honest folks?</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>twisting his mustache</i>] Aha—Natasha!</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small> [<i>to Luka</i>] I was honest—up to spring before last.</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. Here’s a new lodger . . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Oh, it’s all the same to me. Crooks—I don’t mind them, either. For -my part there’s no bad flea—they’re all black—and they all jump— . . . Well, -dearie, show me where I can stow myself.</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small> [<i>pointing to kitchen door</i>] Go in there, grand-dad.</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Thanks, girlie! One place is like another—as long as an old fellow -keeps warm, he keeps happy . . .</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. What an amusing old codger you brought in, Natasha!</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. A hanged sight more interesting than you! . . . -Andrei, your wife’s in the kitchen with us—come and fetch her after a while -. . .</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. All right—I will . . .</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. And be a little more kind to her—you know she won’t last much -longer.</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. I know . . .</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. Knowing won’t do any good—it’s terrible—dying—don’t you -understand?</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Well—look at me—I’m not afraid . . .</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-16">[Pg 16]</a></span></p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. Oh—you’re a wonder, aren’t you?</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small> [<i>whistling</i>] Oh—this thread’s rotten . . .</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Honestly, I’m not afraid! I’m ready to die right now. Knife me to -the heart—and I’ll die without making a sound . . . even gladly—from such a pure -hand . . .</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small> [<i>going out</i>] Spin that yarn for some one else!</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Oh—that thread is rotten—rotten—</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small> [<i>at hallway door</i>] Don’t forget your wife, Andrei!</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. All right.</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. She’s a wonderful girl!</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. She’s all right.</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. What makes her so curt with me? Anyway—she’ll come to no good -here . . .</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Through you—sure!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Why through me? I feel sorry for her . . .</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. As the wolf for the lamb!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. You lie! I feel very sorry for her . . . very -. . . very sorry! She has a tough life here—I can see that . . .</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. Just wait till Vassilisa catches you talking to her!</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Vassilisa? She won’t give up so easily what belongs to -her—she’s a cruel woman!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>stretching himself on the bunk</i>] You two prophets can go to -hell!</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. Just wait—you’ll see!</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small> [<i>singing in the kitchen</i>] “In the dark of the night the way -is black . . .”</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. Another one who yelps!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. It’s dreary! Why do I feel so dreary? You <span -class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-17">[Pg 17]</a></span>live—and everything -seems all right. But suddenly a cold chill goes through you—and then everything gets -dreary . . .</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Dreary? Hm-hm—</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Yes—yes—</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small> [<i>sings</i>] “The way is black . . .”</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Old fellow! Hey there!</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small> [<i>looking from kitchen door</i>] You call me?</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Yes. Don’t sing!</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small> [<i>coming in</i>] You don’t like it?</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. When people sing well I like it—</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. In other words—I don’t sing well?</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Evidently!</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Well, well—and I thought I sang well. That’s always the way: a man -imagines there’s one thing he can do well, and suddenly he finds out that other people -don’t think so . . .</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>laughs</i>] That’s right . . .</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. First you say you feel dreary—and then you laugh!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. None of your business, raven!</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Who do they say feels dreary?</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. I do.</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>The Baron enters.</i>]</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Well, well—out there in the kitchen there’s a girl reading and -crying! That’s so! Her eyes are wet with tears . . . I say to her: “What’s the -matter, darling?” And she says: “It’s so sad!” “What’s so sad?” say I. “The book!” says -she.—And that’s how people spend their time. Just because they’re bored -. . .</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. She’s a fool!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Have you had tea, Baron?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. Yes. Go on!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-18">[Pg 18]</a></span></p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Well—want me to open a bottle?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. Of course. Go on!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Drop on all fours, and bark like a dog!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. Fool! What’s the matter with you? Are you -drunk?</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Go on—bark a little! It’ll amuse me. You’re an aristocrat. You -didn’t even consider us human formerly, did you?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. Go on!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Well—and now I am making you bark like a dog—and you will bark, -won’t you?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. All right. I will. You jackass! What pleasure -can you derive from it since I myself know that I have sunk almost lower than you. You -should have made me drop on all fours in the days when I was still above you.</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. That’s right . . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. I say so, too!</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. What’s over, is over. Remain only trivialities. We know no -class distinctions here. We’ve shed all pride and self-respect. Blood and bone—man—just -plain man—that’s what we are!</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. In other words, we’re all equal . . . and you, friend, -were you really a Baron?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. Who are you? A ghost?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small> [<i>laughing</i>] I’ve seen counts and princes in my day—this is -the first time I meet a baron—and one who’s decaying—at that!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>laughing</i>] Baron, I blush for you!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. It’s time you knew better, Vassily -. . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Hey-hey—I look at you, brothers—the life you’re leading -. . .</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Such a life! As soon as the sun rises, our voices rise, too—in -quarrels!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-19">[Pg 19]</a></span></p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. We’ve all seen better days—yes! I used to wake -up in the morning and drink my coffee in bed—coffee—with cream! Yes—</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. And yet we’re all human beings. Pretend all you want to, put on -all the airs you wish, but man you were born, and man you must die. And as I watch I see -that the wiser people get, the busier they get—and though from bad to worse, they still -strive to improve—stubbornly—</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. Who are you, old fellow? Where do you come -from?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. I?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. Are you a tramp?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. We’re all of us tramps—why—I’ve heard said that the very earth we -walk on is nothing but a tramp in the universe.</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small> [<i>severely</i>] Perhaps. But have you a -passport?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small> [<i>after a short pause</i>] And what are you—a police -inspector?</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>delighted</i>] You scored, old fellow! Well, Barosha, you got -it this time!</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Yes—our little aristocrat got his!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small> [<i>embarrassed</i>] What’s the matter? I was -only joking, old man. Why, brother, I haven’t a passport, either.</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. You lie!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. Oh—well—I have some sort of papers—but they -have no value—</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. They’re papers just the same—and no papers are any good—</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Baron—come on to the saloon with me—</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. I’m ready. Good-bye, old man—you old -scamp—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-20">[Pg 20]</a></span></p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Maybe I am one, brother—</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>near doorway</i>] Come on—come on!</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Leaves, Baron following him quickly.</i>]</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Was he really once a Baron?</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Who knows? A gentleman—? Yes. That much he’s even now. -Occasionally it sticks out. He never got rid of the habit.</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Nobility is like small-pox. A man may get over it—but it leaves -marks . . .</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. He’s all right all the same—occasionally he kicks—as he did -about your passport . . .</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Alyoshka comes in, slightly drunk, with a concertina in his hand, -whistling.</i>]</p> - -<p>A<small>LYOSHKA</small>. Hey there, lodgers!</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. What are you yelling for?</p> - -<p>A<small>LYOSHKA</small>. Excuse me—I beg your pardon! I’m a well-bred man—</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. On a spree again?</p> - -<p>A<small>LYOSHKA</small>. Right you are! A moment ago Medyakin, the precinct captain, -threw me out of the police station and said: “Look here—I don’t want as much as a smell of -you to stay in the streets—d’you hear?” I’m a man of principles, and the boss croaks at -me—and what’s a boss anyway—pah!—it’s all bosh—the boss is a drunkard. I don’t make any -demands on life. I want nothing—that’s all. Offer me one ruble, offer me twenty—it doesn’t -affect me. [<i>Nastya comes from the kitchen</i>] Offer me a million—I won’t take it! And -to think that I, a respectable man, should be ordered about by a pal of mine—and he a -drunkard! I won’t have it—I won’t!</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Nastya stands in the doorway, shaking her head at -Alyoshka.</i>]</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small> [<i>good-naturedly</i>] Well, boy, you’re a bit confused—</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Aren’t men fools!</p> - -<p>A<small>LYOSHKA</small> [<i>stretches out on the floor</i>] Here, eat me up alive—and I -don’t want anything. I’m a desperate man. Show me one better! Why am I worse than others? -There! Medyakin said: “If you show yourself on the streets I smash your face!” And yet I -shall go out—I’ll go—and stretch out in the middle of the street—let them choke me—I don’t -want a thing!</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small>. Poor fellow—only a boy—and he’s already putting on such -airs—</p> - -<p>A<small>LYOSHKA</small> [<i>kneeling before her</i>] Lady! Mademoiselle! <i>Parlez -français—? Prix courrant?</i> I’m on a spree—</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small> [<i>in a loud whisper</i>] Vassilisa!</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small> [<i>opens door quickly; to Alyoshka</i>] You here again?</p> - -<p>A<small>LYOSHKA</small>. How do you do—? Come in—you’re welcome—</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. I told you, young puppy, that not a shadow of you should -stick around here—and you’re back—eh?</p> - -<p>A<small>LYOSHKA</small>. Vassilisa Karpovna . . . shall I tune up a funeral -march for you?</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small> [<i>seizing him by the shoulders</i>] Get out!</p> - -<p>A<small>LYOSHKA</small> [<i>moving towards the door</i>] Wait—you can’t put me out this -way! I learned this funeral march a little while ago! It’s refreshing music -. . . wait—you can’t put me out like that!</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. I’ll show whether I can or not. I’ll rouse the whole street -against you—you foul-mouthed creature—you’re too young to bark about me—</p> - -<p>A<small>LYOSHKA</small> [<i>running out</i>] All right—I’ll go—</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. Look out—I’ll get you yet!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-22">[Pg 22]</a></span></p> - -<p>A<small>LYOSHKA</small> [<i>opens the door and shouts</i>] Vassilisa Karpovna—I’m not -afraid of you—[<i>Hides</i>]</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Luka laughs.</i>]</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. Who are you?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. A passer-by—a traveler . . .</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. Stopping for the night or going to stay here?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. I’ll see.</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. Have you a passport?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Yes.</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. Give it to me.</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. I’ll bring it over to your house—</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. Call yourself a traveler? If you’d say a tramp—that would be -nearer the truth—</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small> [<i>sighing</i>] You’re not very kindly, mother!</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Vassilisa goes to door that leads to Pepel’s room, Alyoshka pokes -his head through the kitchen door.</i>]</p> - -<p>A<small>LYOSHKA</small>. Has she left?</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small> [<i>turning around</i>] Are you still here?</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Alyoshka disappears, whistling. Nastya and Luka laugh.</i>]</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small> [<i>to Vassilisa</i>] He isn’t here—</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. Who?</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Vaska.</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. Did I ask you about him?</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. I noticed you were looking around—</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. I am looking to see if things are in order, you see? Why -aren’t the floors swept yet? How often did I give orders to keep the house clean?</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. It’s the actor’s turn to sweep—</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. Never mind whose turn it is! If the <span class="pagenum"><a -class="newpage" id="page-23">[Pg 23]</a></span>health inspector comes and fines me, I’ll -throw out the lot of you—</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small> [<i>calmly</i>] Then how are you going to earn your living?</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. I don’t want a speck of dirt! [<i>Goes to kitchen; to -Nastya</i>] What are you hanging round here for? Why’s your face all swollen up? Why are -you standing there like a dummy? Go on—sweep the floor! Did you see Natalia? Was she -here?</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small>. I don’t know—I haven’t seen her . . .</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. Bubnoff! Was my sister here?</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. She brought him along.</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. That one—was he home?</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Vassily? Yes—Natalia was here talking to Kleshtch—</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. I’m not asking you whom she talked to. Dirt -everywhere—filth—oh, you swine! Mop it all up—do you hear? [<i>Exit rapidly</i>]</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. What a savage beast she is!</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. She’s a lady that means business!</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small>. You grow to be an animal, leading such a life—any human being -tied to such a husband as hers . . .</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Well—that tie isn’t worrying her any—</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Does she always have these fits?</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Always. You see, she came to find her lover—but he isn’t -home—</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. I guess she was hurt. Oh-ho! Everybody is trying to be boss—and is -threatening everybody else with all kinds of punishment—and still there’s no order in life -. . . and no cleanliness—</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. All the world likes order—but some people’s brains aren’t fit -for it. All the same—the room should be swept—Nastya—you ought to get busy!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-24">[Pg 24]</a></span></p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small>. Oh, certainly? Anything else? Think I’m your servant? -[<i>Silence</i>] I’m going to get drunk to-night—dead-drunk!</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Fine business!</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Why do you want to get drunk, girlie? A while ago you were -crying—and now you say you’ll get drunk—</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small> [<i>defiantly</i>] I’ll drink—then I cry again—that’s all there’s -to it!</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. That’s nothing!</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. But for what reason—tell me! Every pimple has a cause! [<i>Nastya -remains silent, shaking her head</i>] Oh—you men—what’s to become of you? All right—I’ll -sweep the place. Where’s your broom?</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Behind the door—in the hall—</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Luka goes into the hall.</i>]</p> - -<p class="noindent">Nastinka!</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small>. Yes?</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Why did Vassilisa jump on Alyoshka?</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small>. He told her that Vaska was tired of her and was going to get rid -of her—and that he’s going to make up to Natasha—I’ll go away from here—I’ll find another -lodging-house—</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Why? Where?</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small>. I’m sick of this—I’m not wanted here!</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small> [<i>calmly</i>] You’re not wanted anywhere—and, anyway, all -people on earth are superfluous—</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Nastya shakes her head. Rises and slowly, quietly, leaves the -cellar. Miedviedieff comes in. Luka, with the broom, follows him.</i>]</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. I don’t think I know you—</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. How about the others—d’you know them all?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-25">[Pg 25]</a></span></p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. I must know everybody in my precinct. But I don’t know -you.</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. That’s because, uncle, the whole world can’t stow itself away in -your precinct—some of it was bound to remain outside . . . [<i>Goes into -kitchen</i>]</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small> [<i>crosses to Bubnoff</i>] It’s true—my precinct is rather -small—yet it’s worse than any of the very largest. Just now, before getting off duty, I -had to bring Alyoshka, the shoemaker, to the station house. Just imagine—there he was, -stretched right in the middle of the street, playing his concertina and yelping: “I want -nothing, nothing!” Horses going past all the time—and with all the traffic going on, he -could easily have been run over—and so on! He’s a wild youngster—so I just collared him—he -likes to make mischief—</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Coming to play checkers to-night?</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. Yes—I’ll come—how’s Vaska?</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Same as ever—</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. Meaning—he’s getting along—?</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Why shouldn’t he? He’s able to get along all right.</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small> [<i>doubtfully</i>] Why shouldn’t he? [<i>Luka goes into -hallway, carrying a pail</i>] M-yes—there’s a lot of talk about Vaska. Haven’t you -heard?</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. I hear all sorts of gossip . . .</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. There seems to have been some sort of talk concerning -Vassilisa. Haven’t you heard about it?</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. What?</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. Oh—why—generally speaking. Perhaps you know—and lie. -Everybody knows—[<i>Severely</i>] You mustn’t lie, brother!</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Why should I lie?</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. That’s right. Dogs! They say that Vaska and Vassilisa -. . . but what’s that to me? I’m <span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" -id="page-26">[Pg 26]</a></span>not her father. I’m her uncle. Why should they ridicule me? -[<i>Kvashnya comes in</i>] What are people coming to? They laugh at everything. Aha—you -here?</p> - -<p>K<small>VASHNYA</small>. Well—my love-sick garrison—? Bubnoff! He came up to me again -on the marketplace and started pestering me about marrying him . . .</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Go to it! Why not? He has money and he’s still a husky -fellow.</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. Me—? I should say so!</p> - -<p>K<small>VASHNYA</small>. You ruffian! Don’t you dare touch my sore spot! I’ve gone -through it once already, darling. Marriage to a woman is just like jumping through a hole -in the ice in winter. You do it once, and you remember it the rest of your life -. . .</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. Wait! There are different breeds of husbands -. . .</p> - -<p>K<small>VASHNYA</small>. But there’s only one of me! When my beloved husband kicked the -bucket, I spent the whole day all by my lonely—just bursting with joy. I sat and simply -couldn’t believe it was true. . . .</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. If your husband beat you without cause, you should have -complained to the police.</p> - -<p>K<small>VASHNYA</small>. I complained to God for eight years—and he didn’t help.</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. Nowadays the law forbids to beat your wife . . . -all is very strict these days—there’s law and order everywhere. You can’t beat up people -without due cause. If you beat them to maintain discipline—all right . . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small> [<i>comes in with Anna</i>] Well—we finally managed to get here -after all. Oh, you! Why do you, weak as you are, walk about alone? Where’s your bunk?</p> - -<p>A<small>NNA</small> [<i>pointing</i>] Thank you, grand-dad.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-27">[Pg 27]</a></span></p> - -<p>K<small>VASHNYA</small>. There—she’s married—look at her!</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. The little woman is in very bad shape . . . she was -creeping along the hallway, clinging to the wall and moaning—why do you leave her by -herself?</p> - -<p>K<small>VASHNYA</small>. Oh, pure carelessness on our part, little father—forgive us! -Her maid, it appears, went out for a walk . . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Go on—poke fun at me . . . but, all the same, how can -you neglect a human being like that? No matter who or what, every human life has its worth -. . .</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. There should be supervision! Suppose she died suddenly—? -That would cause a lot of bother . . . we must look after her!</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. True, sergeant!</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. Well—yes—though I’m not a sergeant—ah—yet!</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. No! But you carry yourself most martially!</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Noise of shuffling feet is heard in the hallway. Muffled -cries.</i>]</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. What now—a row?</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Sounds like it?</p> - -<p>K<small>VASHNYA</small>. I’ll go and see . . .</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. I’ll go, too. It is my duty! Why separate people when they -fight? They’ll stop sooner or later of their own accord. One gets tired of fighting. Why -not let them fight all they want to—freely? They wouldn’t fight half as often—if they’d -remember former beatings . . .</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small> [<i>climbing down from his bunk</i>] Why don’t you speak to your -superiors about it?</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small> [<i>throws open the door and shouts</i>] Abram! Come -quick—Vassilisa is killing Natasha—come quick!</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Kvashnya, Miedviedieff, and Bubnoff rush into hallway; Luka looks -after them, shaking his head.</i>]</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-28">[Pg 28]</a></span></p> - -<p>A<small>NNA</small>. Oh God—poor little Natasha . . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Who’s fighting out there?</p> - -<p>A<small>NNA</small>. Our landladies—they’re sisters . . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small> [<i>crossing to Anna</i>] Why?</p> - -<p>A<small>NNA</small>. Oh—for no reason—except that they’re both fat and healthy -. . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. What’s your name?</p> - -<p>A<small>NNA</small>. Anna . . . I look at you . . . you’re like my -father—my dear father . . . you’re as gentle as he was—and as soft. -. . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Soft! Yes! They pounded me till I got soft! [<i>Laughs -tremulously</i>]</p> - -<p class="end_of_act">CURTAIN.</p> - -<div class="pagebreak"></div> - -<div class="pad_top_1em pad_illus_bottom" id="portrait"> -<p class="center"><img alt="[Portrait]" src="images/portrait.jpg" title="MAXIM GORKY: -RUSSIA’S GREATEST LIVING PLAYWRIGHT" height="90%" /></p> - -<p class="smallerfont center">MAXIM GORKY: RUSSIA’S GREATEST LIVING PLAYWRIGHT</p> -</div> -</div> - -<div class="chapter" id="Act_Two_div"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p> - -<h3><a id="Act_Two" href="#Act_Two_toc">ACT TWO.</a></h3> - -<div class="setting"> -<p class="italics">Same as Act I—Night.</p> - -<p class="italics">On the bunks near the stove Satine, the Baron, Krivoy Zob, and the -Tartar play cards. Kleshtch and the Actor watch them. Bubnoff, on his bunk, is playing -checkers with Miedviedieff. Luka sits on a stool by Anna’s bedside. The place is lit by -two lamps, one on the wall near the card players, the other is on Bubnoff’s bunk.</p> -</div> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> T<small>ARTAR</small>. I’ll play one more game—then I’ll stop -. . .</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Zob! Sing! [<i>He sings</i>]</p> - -<blockquote class="verse"> -<p class="i1">“The sun rises and sets . . .”</p> -</blockquote> - -<p>Z<small>OB</small> [<i>joining in</i>]</p> - -<blockquote class="verse"> -<p class="i1">“But my prison is dark, dark . . .”</p> -</blockquote> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> T<small>ARTAR</small> [<i>to Satine</i>] Shuffle the cards—and -shuffle them well. We know your kind—</p> - -<p>Z<small>OB</small> <small>AND</small> B<small>UBNOFF</small> [<i>together</i>]</p> - -<blockquote class="verse"> -<p class="i1">“Day and night the wardens</p> - -<p class="i1a">Watch beneath my window . . .”</p> -</blockquote> - -<p>A<small>NNA</small>. Blows—insults—I’ve had nothing but that all my life long -. . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Don’t worry, little mother!</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. Look where you’re moving!</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Oh, yes—that’s right . . .</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> T<small>ARTAR</small> [<i>threatening Satine with his fist</i>] -You’re <span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-30">[Pg 30]</a></span>trying to -palm a card? I’ve seen you—you scoundrel . . .</p> - -<p>Z<small>OB</small>. Stop it, Hassan! They’ll skin us anyway . . . come on, -Bubnoff!</p> - -<p>A<small>NNA</small>. I can’t remember a single day when I didn’t go hungry -. . . I’ve been afraid, waking, eating, and sleeping . . . all my life -I’ve trembled—afraid I wouldn’t get another bite . . . all my life I’ve been in -rags—all through my wretched life—and why . . . ?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Yes, yes, child—you’re tired—never you mind!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small> [<i>to Zob</i>] Play the Jack—the Jack, devil -take you!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. And we play the King!</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. They always win.</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Such is our habit.</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. I have the Queen!</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. And so have I!</p> - -<p>A<small>NNA</small>. I’m dying . . .</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. Look, look! Prince, throw up the game—throw it up, I tell -you!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. Can’t he play without your assistance?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. Look out, Andrushka, or I’ll beat the life out -of you!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> T<small>ARTAR</small>. Deal once more—the pitcher went after -water—and got broke—and so did I!</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Kleshtch shakes his head and crosses to Bubnoff.</i>]</p> - -<p>A<small>NNA</small>. I keep on thinking—is it possible that I’ll suffer in the other -world as I did in this—is it possible? There, too?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Nothing of the sort! Don’t you disturb yourself! You’ll rest there -. . . be patient. We all suffer, dear, each in our own way. . . . -[<i>Rises and goes quickly into kitchen</i>]</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-31">[Pg 31]</a></span></p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small> [<i>sings</i>]</p> - -<blockquote class="verse"> -<p class="i1">“Watch as long as you please . . .”</p> -</blockquote> - -<p>Z<small>OB</small>. “I shan’t run away . . .”</p> - -<p>B<small>OTH</small> [<i>together</i>]</p> - -<blockquote class="verse"> -<p class="i1">“I long to be free, free—</p> - -<p class="i1a">Alas! I cannot break my chains. . . .”</p> -</blockquote> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> T<small>ARTAR</small> [<i>yells</i>] That card was up his -sleeve!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small> [<i>embarrassed</i>] Do you want me to shove it -up your nose?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small> [<i>emphatically</i>] Prince! You’re -mistaken—nobody—ever . . .</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> T<small>ARTAR</small>. I saw it! You cheat! I won’t play!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small> [<i>gathering up the cards</i>] Leave us alone, Hassan -. . . you knew right along that we’re cheats—why did you play with us?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. He lost forty kopecks and he yelps as if he -had lost a fortune! And a Prince at that!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> T<small>ARTAR</small> [<i>excitedly</i>] Then play honest!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. What for?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> T<small>ARTAR</small>. What do you mean “what for”?</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Exactly. What for?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> T<small>ARTAR</small>. Don’t you know?</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. I don’t. Do you?</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>The Tartar spits out, furiously; the others laugh at -him.</i>]</p> - -<p>Z<small>OB</small> [<i>good-naturedly</i>] You’re a funny fellow, Hassan! Try to -understand this! If they should begin to live honestly, they’d die of starvation inside of -three days.</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> T<small>ARTAR</small>. That’s none of my business. You must live -honestly!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-32">[Pg 32]</a></span></p> - -<p>Z<small>OB</small>. They did you brown! Come and let’s have tea. . . . -[<i>Sings</i>]</p> - -<blockquote class="verse"> -<p class="i1">“O my chains, my heavy chains . . .”</p> -</blockquote> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small> [<i>sings</i>]</p> - -<blockquote class="verse"> -<p class="i1">“You’re my steely, clanking wardens . . .”</p> -</blockquote> - -<p>Z<small>OB</small>. Come on, Hassanka! [<i>Leaves the room, singing</i>]</p> - -<blockquote class="verse"> -<p class="i1">“I cannot tear you, cannot break you . . .”</p> -</blockquote> - -<p class="direction">[<i>The Tartar shakes his fist threateningly at the Baron, and -follows the other out of the room.</i>]</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small> [<i>to Baron, laughing</i>] Well, Your Imperial Highness, you’ve -again sat down magnificently in a mud puddle! You’ve learned a lot—but you’re an ignoramus -when it comes to palming a card.</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small> [<i>spreading his hands</i>] The Devil knows -how it happened. . . .</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. You’re not gifted—you’ve no faith in -yourself—and without that you can never accomplish anything . . .</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. I’ve one Queen—and you’ve two—oh, well . . .</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. One’s enough if she has brains—play!</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. You lost, Abram Ivanovitch?</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. None of your business—see? Shut up!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. I’ve won fifty-three kopecks.</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. Give me three of them . . . though, -what’ll I do with them?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small> [<i>coming from kitchen</i>] Well—the Tartar was fleeced all right, -eh? Going to have some vodka?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. Come with us.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-33">[Pg 33]</a></span></p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. I wonder what you’ll be like when you’re drunk.</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Same as when I’m sober.</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. Come on, old man—I’ll recite verses for you -. . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. What?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. Verses. Don’t you understand?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Verses? And what do I want with verses?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. Sometimes they’re funny—sometimes sad.</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Well, poet, are you coming? [<i>Exit with the Baron</i>]</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. I’m coming. I’ll join you. For instance, old -man, here’s a bit of verse—I forget how it begins—I forget . . . [<i>brushes his -hand across his forehead</i>]</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. There! Your Queen is lost—go on, play!</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. I made the wrong move.</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. Formerly, before my organism was poisoned with -alcohol, old man, I had a good memory. But now it’s all over with me, brother. I used to -declaim these verses with tremendous success—thunders of applause . . . you have -no idea what applause means . . . it goes to your head like vodka! I’d step out -on the stage—stand this way—[<i>Strikes a pose</i>]—I’d stand there and . . . -[<i>Pause</i>] I can’t remember a word—I can’t remember! My favorite verses—isn’t it -ghastly, old man?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Yes—is there anything worse than forgetting what you loved? Your -very soul is in the thing you love!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. I’ve drunk my soul away, old man—brother, -<span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-34">[Pg 34]</a></span>I’m lost -. . . and why? Because I had no faith. . . . I’m done with -. . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Well—then—cure yourself! Nowadays they have a cure for drunkards. -They treat you free of charge, brother. There’s a hospital for drunkards—where they’re -treated for nothing. They’ve owned up, you see, that even a drunkard is a human being, and -they’re only too glad to help him get well. Well—then—go to it!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small> [<i>thoughtfully</i>] Where? Where is it?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Oh—in some town or other . . . what do they call it—? -I’ll tell you the name presently—only, in the meanwhile, get ready. Don’t drink so much! -Take yourself in hand—and bear up! And then, when you’re cured, you’ll begin life all over -again. Sounds good, brother, doesn’t it, to begin all over again? Well—make up your -mind!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small> [<i>smiling</i>] All over again—from the very -beginning—that’s fine . . . yes . . . all over again . . . -[<i>Laughs</i>] Well—then—I can, can’t I?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Why not? A human being can do anything—if he only makes up his -mind.</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small> [<i>suddenly, as if coming out of a trance</i>] -You’re a queer bird! See you anon! [<i>Whistles</i>] Old man—<i>au revoir!</i> -[<i>Exit</i>]</p> - -<p>A<small>NNA</small>. Grand-dad!</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Yes, little mother?</p> - -<p>A<small>NNA</small>. Talk to me.</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small> [<i>close to her</i>] Come on—let’s chat . . .</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Kleshtch, glancing around, silently walks over to his wife, looks -at her, and makes queer gestures with his hands, as though he wanted to say -something.</i>]</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. What is it, brother?</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small> [<i>quietly</i>] Nothing . . .</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-35">[Pg 35]</a></span></p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Crosses slowly to hallway door, stands on the threshold for a few -seconds, and exit.</i>]</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small> [<i>looking after him</i>] Hard on your man, isn’t it?</p> - -<p>A<small>NNA</small>. He doesn’t concern me much . . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Did he beat you?</p> - -<p>A<small>NNA</small>. Worse than that—it’s he who’s killed me—</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. My wife used to have a lover—the scoundrel—how clever he was at -checkers!</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. Hm-hm—</p> - -<p>A<small>NNA</small>. Grand-dad! Talk to me, darling—I feel so sick . . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Never mind—it’s always like this before you die, little dove—never -mind, dear! Just have faith! Once you’re dead, you’ll have peace—always. There’s nothing -to be afraid of—nothing. Quiet! Peace! Lie quietly! Death wipes out everything. Death is -kindly. You die—and you rest—that’s what they say. It is true, dear! Because—where can we -find rest on this earth?</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Pepel enters. He is slightly drunk, dishevelled, and sullen. Sits -down on bunk near door, and remains silent and motionless.</i>]</p> - -<p>A<small>NNA</small>. And how is it—there? More suffering?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Nothing of the kind! No suffering! Trust me! Rest—nothing else! -They’ll lead you into God’s presence, and they’ll say: “Dear God! Behold! Here is Anna, -Thy servant!”</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small> [<i>sternly</i>] How do you know what they’ll say up there? -Oh, you . . .</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Pepel, on hearing Miedviedieff’s voice, raises his head and -listens.</i>]</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Apparently I do know, Mr. Sergeant!</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small> [<i>conciliatory</i>] Yes—it’s your own affair—though I’m -not exactly a sergeant—yet—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-36">[Pg 36]</a></span></p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. I jump two!</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. Damn—play!</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. And the Lord will look at you gently and tenderly and He’ll say: -“I know this Anna!” Then He’ll say: “Take Anna into Paradise. Let her have peace. I know. -Her life on earth was hard. She is very weary. Let Anna rest in peace!”</p> - -<p>A<small>NNA</small> [<i>choking</i>] Grandfather—if it were only so—if there were only -rest and peace . . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. There won’t be anything else! Trust me! Die in joy and not in -grief. Death is to us like a mother to small children . . .</p> - -<p>A<small>NNA</small>. But—perhaps—perhaps I get well . . . ?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small> [<i>laughing</i>] Why—? Just to suffer more?</p> - -<p>A<small>NNA</small>. But—just to live a little longer . . . just a little -longer! Since there’ll be no suffering hereafter, I could bear it a little longer down -here . . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. There’ll be nothing in the hereafter . . . but only -. . .</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>rising</i>] Maybe yes—maybe no!</p> - -<p>A<small>NNA</small> [<i>frightened</i>] Oh—God!</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Hey—Adonis!</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. Who’s that yelping?</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>crossing over to him</i>] I! What of it?</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. You yelp needlessly—that’s what! People ought to have some -dignity!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Block-head! And that’s an uncle for you—ho-ho!</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small> [<i>to Pepel, in an undertone</i>] Look here—don’t shout—this -woman’s dying—her lips are already grey—don’t disturb her!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. I’ve respect for you, grand-dad. You’re all right, you are! You -lie well, and you spin pleasant <span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-37">[Pg -37]</a></span>yarns. Go on lying, brother—there’s little fun in this world -. . .</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Is the woman really dying?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. You think I’m joking?</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. That means she’ll stop coughing. Her cough was very disturbing. -I jump two!</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. I’d like to murder you!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Abramka!</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. I’m not Abramka to you!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Abrashka! Is Natasha ill?</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. None of your business!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Come—tell me! Did Vassilisa beat her up very badly?</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. That’s none of your business, either! It’s a family -affair! Who are you anyway?</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Whoever I am, you’ll never see Natashka again if I choose!</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small> [<i>throwing up the game</i>] What’s that? Who are you -alluding to? My niece by any chance? You thief!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. A thief whom you were never able to catch!</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. Wait—I’ll catch you yet—you’ll see—sooner than you -think!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. If you catch me, God help your whole nest! Do you think I’ll keep -quiet before the examining magistrate? Every wolf howls! They’ll ask me: “Who made you -steal and showed you where?” “Mishka Kostilyoff and his wife!” “Who was your fence?” -“Mishka Kostilyoff and his wife!”</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. You lie! No one will believe you!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. They’ll believe me all right—because it’s the truth! And I’ll -drag you into it, too. Ha! I’ll ruin the lot of you—devils—just watch!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-38">[Pg 38]</a></span></p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small> [<i>confused</i>] You lie! You lie! And what harm did I do -to you, you mad dog?</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. And what good did you ever do me?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. That’s right!</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small> [<i>to Luka</i>] Well—what are you croaking about? Is it -any of your business? This is a family matter!</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small> [<i>to Luka</i>] Leave them alone! What do we care if they twist -each other’s tails?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small> [<i>peacefully</i>] I meant no harm. All I said was that if a man -isn’t good to you, then he’s acting wrong . . .</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small> [<i>uncomprehending</i>] Now then—we all of us here know -each other—but you—who are you? [<i>Frowns and exit</i>]</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. The cavalier is peeved! Oh-ho, brothers, I see your affairs are a -bit tangled up!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. He’ll run to complain about us to Vassilisa . . .</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. You’re a fool, Vassily. You’re very bold these days, aren’t -you? Watch out! It’s all right to be bold when you go gathering mushrooms, but what good -is it here? They’ll break your neck before you know it!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Well—not as fast as all that! You don’t catch us Yaroslavl boys -napping! If it’s going to be war, we’ll fight . . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Look here, boy, you really ought to go away from here—</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Where? Please tell me!</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Go to Siberia!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. If I go to Siberia, it’ll be at the Tsar’s expense!</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Listen! You go just the same! You can <span class="pagenum"><a -class="newpage" id="page-39">[Pg 39]</a></span>make your own way there. They need your -kind out there . . .</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. My way is clear. My father spent all his life in prison, and I -inherited the trait. Even when I was a small child, they called me thief—thief’s son.</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. But Siberia is a fine country—a land of gold. Any one who has -health and strength and brains can live there like a cucumber in a hot-house.</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Old man, why do you always tell lies?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. What?</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Are you deaf? I ask—why do you always lie?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. What do I lie about?</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. About everything. According to you, life’s wonderful -everywhere—but you lie . . . why?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Try to believe me. Go and see for yourself. And some day you’ll -thank me for it. What are you hanging round here for? And, besides, why is truth so -important to you? Just think! Truth may spell death to you!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. It’s all one to me! If that—let it be that!</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Oh—what a madman! Why should you kill yourself?</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. What are you two jawing about, anyway? I don’t understand. What -kind of truth do you want, Vaska? And what for? You know the truth about yourself—and so -does everybody else . . .</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Just a moment! Don’t crow! Let him tell me! Listen, old man! Is -there a God?</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Luka smiles silently.</i>]</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. People just drift along—like shavings on a stream. When a house -is built—the shavings are thrown away!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Well? Is there a God? Tell me.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-40">[Pg 40]</a></span></p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small> [<i>in a low voice</i>] If you have faith, there is; if you -haven’t, there isn’t . . . whatever you believe in, exists . . .</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Pepel looks at Luka in staring surprise.</i>]</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. I’m going to have tea—come on over to the restaurant!</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small> [<i>to Pepel</i>] What are you staring at?</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Oh—just because! Wait now—you mean to say . . .</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Well—I’m off.</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Goes to door and runs into Vassilisa.</i>]</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. So—you . . .</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small> [<i>to Bubnoff</i>] Is Nastasya home?</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. No. [<i>Exit</i>]</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Oh—you’ve come—?</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small> [<i>crossing to Anna</i>] Is she alive yet?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Don’t disturb her!</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. What are you loafing around here for?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. I’ll go—if you want me to . . .</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small> [<i>turning towards Pepel’s room</i>] Vassily! I’ve some -business with you . . .</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Luka goes to hallway door, opens it, and shuts it loudly, then -warily climbs into a bunk, and from there to the top of the stove.</i>]</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small> [<i>calling from Pepel’s room</i>] Vaska—come here!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. I won’t come—I don’t want to . . .</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. Why? What are you angry about?</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. I’m sick of the whole thing . . .</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. Sick of me, too?</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Yes! Of you, too!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-41">[Pg 41]</a></span></p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Vassilisa draws her shawl about her, pressing her hands over her -breast. Crosses to Anna, looks carefully through the bed curtains, and returns to -Pepel.</i>]</p> - -<p class="noindent">Well—out with it!</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. What do you want me to say? I can’t force you to be loving, -and I’m not the sort to beg for kindness. Thank you for telling me the truth.</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. What truth?</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. That you’re sick of me—or isn’t it the truth? [<i>Pepel looks -at her silently. She turns to him</i>] What are you staring at? Don’t you recognize -me?</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>sighing</i>] You’re beautiful, Vassilisa! [<i>She puts her arm -about his neck, but he shakes it off</i>] But I never gave my heart to you. -. . . I’ve lived with you and all that—But I never really liked you -. . .</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small> [<i>quietly</i>] That so? Well—?</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. What is there to talk, about? Nothing. Go away from me!</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. Taken a fancy to some one else?</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. None of your business! Suppose I have—I wouldn’t ask you to be my -match-maker!</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small> [<i>significantly</i>] That’s too bad . . . perhaps -I might arrange a match . . .</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>suspiciously</i>] Who with?</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. You know—why do you pretend? Vassily—let me be frank. -[<i>With lower voice</i>] I won’t deny it—you’ve offended me . . . it was like a -bolt from the blue . . . you said you loved me—and then all of a sudden -. . .</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. It wasn’t sudden at all. It’s been a long time since I -. . . woman, you’ve no soul! A woman must have a soul . . . we men are -beasts—we must be taught—and you, what have you taught me—?</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. Never mind the past! I know—no man <span class="pagenum"><a -class="newpage" id="page-42">[Pg 42]</a></span>owns his own heart—you don’t love me any -longer . . . well and good, it can’t be helped!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. So that’s over. We part peaceably, without a row—as it should -be!</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. Just a moment! All the same, when I lived with you, I hoped -you’d help me out of this swamp—I thought you’d free me from my husband and my uncle—from -all this life—and perhaps, Vassya, it wasn’t you whom I loved—but my hope—do you -understand? I waited for you to drag me out of this mire . . .</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. You aren’t a nail—and I’m not a pair of pincers! I thought you -had brains—you are so clever—so crafty . . .</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small> [<i>leaning closely towards him</i>] Vassa—let’s help each -other!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. How?</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small> [<i>low and forcibly</i>] My sister—I know you’ve fallen for -her. . . .</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. And that’s why you beat her up, like the beast you are! Look out, -Vassilisa! Don’t you touch her!</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. Wait. Don’t get excited. We can do everything quietly and -pleasantly. You want to marry her. I’ll give you money . . . three hundred -rubles—even more than that . . .</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>moving away from her</i>] Stop! What do you mean?</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. Rid me of my husband! Take that noose from around my neck -. . .</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>whistling softly</i>] So that’s the way the land lies! You -certainly planned it cleverly . . . in other words, the grave for the husband, -the gallows for the lover, and as for yourself . . .</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-43">[Pg 43]</a></span></p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. Vassya! Why the gallows? It doesn’t have to be yourself—but -one of your pals! And supposing it were yourself—who’d know? Natalia—just think—and you’ll -have money—you go away somewhere . . . you free me forever—and it’ll be very -good for my sister to be away from me—the sight of her enrages me. . . . I get -furious with her on account of you, and I can’t control myself. I tortured the girl—I beat -her up—beat her up so that I myself cried with pity for her—but I’ll beat her—and I’ll go -on beating her!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Beast! Bragging about your beastliness?</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. I’m not bragging—I speak the truth. Think now, Vassa. You’ve -been to prison twice because of my husband—through his greed. He clings to me like a -bed-bug—he’s been sucking the life out of me for the last four years—and what sort of a -husband is he to me? He’s forever abusing Natasha—calls her a beggar—he’s just poison, -plain poison, to every one . . .</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. You spin your yarn cleverly . . .</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. Everything I say is true. Only a fool could be as blind as -you. . . .</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Kostilyoff enters stealthily and comes forward noisily.</i>]</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>to Vassilisa</i>] Oh—go away!</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. Think it over! [<i>Sees her husband</i>] What? You? Following -me?</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Pepel leaps up and stares at Kostilyoff savagely.</i>]</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small>. It’s I, I! So the two of you were here alone—you -were—ah—conversing? [<i>Suddenly stamps his feet and screams</i>] Vassilisa—you bitch! You -beggar! You damned hag! [<i>Frightened by his own screams which are met by silence and -indifference on the part of the others</i>] Forgive me, O Lord . . . -Vassilisa—again you’ve led me into the path of sin. . . . I’ve been looking -<span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-44">[Pg 44]</a></span>for you -everywhere. It’s time to go to bed. You forgot to fill the lamps—oh, you . . . -beggar! Swine! [<i>Shakes his trembling fist at her, while Vassilisa slowly goes to door, -glancing at Pepel over her shoulder</i>]</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>to Kostilyoff</i>] Go away—clear out of here—</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small> [<i>yelling</i>] What? I? The Boss? I get out? You thief!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>sullenly</i>] Go away, Mishka!</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small>. Don’t you dare—I—I’ll show you.</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Pepel seizes him by the collar and shakes him. From the stove -come loud noises and yawns. Pepel releases Kostilyoff who runs into the hallway, -screaming.</i>]</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>jumping on a bunk</i>] Who is it? Who’s on the stove?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small> [<i>raising his head</i>] Eh?</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. You?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small> [<i>undisturbed</i>] I—I myself—oh, dear Jesus!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>shuts hallway door, looks for the wooden closing bar, but -can’t find it</i>] The devil! Come down, old man!</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. I’m climbing down—all right . . .</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>roughly</i>] What did you climb on that stove for?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Where was I to go?</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Why—didn’t you go out into the hall?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. The hall’s too cold for an old fellow like myself, brother.</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. You overheard?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Yes—I did. How could I help it? Am I deaf? Well, my boy, happiness -is coming your way. Real, good fortune I call it!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>suspiciously</i>] What good fortune—?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. In so far as I was lying on the stove . . .</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-45">[Pg 45]</a></span></p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Why did you make all that noise?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Because I was getting warm . . . it was your good luck -. . . I thought if only the boy wouldn’t make a mistake and choke the old man -. . .</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Yes—I might have done it . . . how terrible -. . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Small wonder! It isn’t difficult to make a mistake of that -sort.</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>smiling</i>] What’s the matter? Did you make the same sort of -mistake once upon a time?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Boy, listen to me. Send that woman out of your life! Don’t let her -near you! Her husband—she’ll get rid of him herself—and in a shrewder way than you -could—yes! Don’t you listen to that devil! Look at me! I am bald-headed—know why? Because -of all these women. . . . Perhaps I knew more women than I had hair on the top -of my head—but this Vassilisa—she’s worse than the plague. . . .</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. I don’t understand . . . I don’t know whether to thank -you—or—well . . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Don’t say a word! You won’t improve on what I said. Listen: take -the one you like by the arm, and march out of here—get out of here—clean out -. . .</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>sadly</i>] I can’t understand people. Who is kind and who -isn’t? It’s all a mystery to me . . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. What’s there to understand? There’s all breeds of men -. . . they all live as their hearts tell them . . . good to-day, bad -to-morrow! But if you really care for that girl . . . take her away from here -and that’s all there is to it. Otherwise go away alone . . . you’re young—you’re -in no hurry for a wife . . .</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>taking him by the shoulder</i>] Tell me! Why do you say all -this?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Wait. Let me go. I want a look at Anna <span class="pagenum"><a -class="newpage" id="page-46">[Pg 46]</a></span>. . . she was coughing so -terribly . . . [<i>Goes to Anna’s bed, pulls the curtains, looks, touches her. -Pepel thoughtfully and distraught, follows him with his eyes</i>] Merciful Jesus Christ! -Take into Thy keeping the soul of this woman Anna, new-comer amongst the blessed!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>softly</i>] Is she dead?</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Without approaching, he stretches himself and looks at the -bed.</i>]</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small> [<i>gently</i>] Her sufferings are over! Where’s her husband?</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. In the saloon, most likely . . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Well—he’ll have to be told . . .</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>shuddering</i>] I don’t like corpses!</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small> [<i>going to door</i>] Why should you like them? It’s the living -who demand our love—the living . . .</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. I’m coming with you . . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Are you afraid?</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. I don’t like it . . .</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>They go out quickly. The stage is empty and silent for a few -moments. Behind the door is heard a dull, staccato, incomprehensible noise. Then the Actor -enters.</i>]</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small> [<i>stands at the open door, supporting himself -against the jamb, and shouts</i>] Hey, old man—where are you—? I just remembered—listen -. . . [<i>Takes two staggering steps forward and, striking a pose, -recites</i>]</p> - -<blockquote class="verse"> -<p class="i0">“Good people! If the world cannot find</p> - -<p class="i0a">A path to holy truth,</p> - -<p class="i0a">Glory be to the madman who will enfold all humanity</p> - -<p class="i0a">In a golden dream . . .”</p> -</blockquote> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Natasha appears in the doorway behind the Actor</i>]</p> - -<p class="noindent">Old man! [<i>recites</i>]</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-47">[Pg 47]</a></span></p> - -<blockquote class="verse"> -<p class="i0">“If to-morrow the sun were to forget</p> - -<p class="i0a">To light our earth,</p> - -<p class="i0a">To-morrow then some madman’s thought</p> - -<p class="i0a">Would bathe the world in sunshine. . . .”</p> -</blockquote> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small> [<i>laughing</i>] Scarecrow! You’re drunk!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small> [<i>turns to her</i>] Oh—it’s you? Where’s the -old man, the dear old man? Not a soul here, seems to me . . . Natasha, -farewell—right—farewell!</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small> [<i>entering</i>] Don’t wish me farewell, before you’ve wished -me how-d’you-do!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small> [<i>barring her way</i>] I am going. Spring -will come—and I’ll be here no longer—</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. Wait a moment! Where do you propose going?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. In search of a town—to be cured—And you, -Ophelia, must go away! Take the veil! Just imagine—there’s a hospital to cure—ah—organisms -for drunkards—a wonderful hospital—built of marble—with marble floors . . . -light—clean—food—and all gratis! And a marble floor—yes! I’ll find it—I’ll get cured—and -then I shall start life anew. . . . I’m on my way to regeneration, as King Lear -said. Natasha, my stage name is . . . Svertchkoff—Zavoloushski . . . -do you realize how painful it is to lose one’s name? Even dogs have their names -. . .</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Natasha carefully passes the Actor, stops at Anna’s bed and -looks.</i>]</p> - -<p class="noindent">To be nameless—is not to exist!</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. Look, my dear—why—she’s dead. . . .</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small> [<i>shakes his head</i>] Impossible -. . .</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small> [<i>stepping back</i>] So help me God—look . . .</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small> [<i>appearing in doorway</i>] What is there to look at?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-48">[Pg 48]</a></span></p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. Anna—she’s dead!</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. That means—she’s stopped coughing! [<i>Goes to Anna’s bed, -looks, and returns to his bunk</i>] We must tell Kleshtch—it’s his business to know -. . .</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. I’ll go—I’ll say to him—she lost her -name—[<i>Exit</i>]</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. [<i>in centre of room</i>] I, too—some day—I’ll be found in the -cellar—dead. . . .</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small> [<i>spreading out some rags on his bunk</i>] What’s that? What -are you muttering?</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. Nothing much . . .</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Waiting for Vaska, eh? Take care—Vassilisa’ll break your -head!</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. Isn’t it the same who breaks it? I’d much rather he’d do -it!</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small> [<i>lying down</i>] Well—that’s your own affair -. . .</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. It’s best for her to be dead—yet it’s a pity . . . -oh, Lord—why do we live?</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. It’s so with all . . . we’re born, live, and die—and -I’ll die, too—and so’ll you—what’s there to be gloomy about?</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Enter Luka, the Tartar, Zob, and Kleshtch. The latter comes after -the others, slowly, shrunk up.</i>]</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. Sh-sh! Anna!</p> - -<p>Z<small>OB</small>. We’ve heard—God rest her soul . . .</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> T<small>ARTAR</small> [<i>to Kleshtch</i>] We must take her out of -here. Out into the hall! This is no place for corpses—but for the living -. . .</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small> [<i>quietly</i>] We’ll take her out—</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Everybody goes to the bed, Kleshtch looks at his wife ever the -others’ shoulders.</i>]</p> - -<p>Z<small>OB</small> [<i>to the Tartar</i>] You think she’ll smell? I don’t <span -class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-49">[Pg 49]</a></span>think she will—she dried -up while she was still alive . . .</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. God! If they’d only a little pity . . . if only some -one would say a kindly word—oh, you . . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Don’t be hurt, girl—never mind! Why and how should we pity the -dead? Come, dear! We don’t pity the living—we can’t even pity our own selves—how can -we?</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small> [<i>yawning</i>] And, besides, when you’re dead, no word will -help you—when you’re still alive, even sick, it may. . . .</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> T<small>ARTAR</small> [<i>stepping aside</i>] The police must be -notified . . .</p> - -<p>Z<small>OB</small>. The police—must be done! Kleshtch! Did you notify the police?</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. No—she’s got to be buried—and all I have is forty kopecks—</p> - -<p>Z<small>OB</small>. Well—you’ll have to borrow then—otherwise we’ll take up a -collection . . . one’ll give five kopecks, others as much as they can. But the -police must be notified at once—or they’ll think you killed her or God knows what not -. . .</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Crosses to the Tartar’s bunk and prepares to lie down by his -side.</i>]</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small> [<i>going to Bubnoff’s bunk</i>] Now—I’ll dream of her -. . . I always dream of the dead . . . I’m afraid to go out into the -hall by myself—it’s dark there . . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small> [<i>following her</i>] You better fear the living—I’m telling you -. . .</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. Take me across the hall, grandfather.</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Come on—come on—I’ll take you across—</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>They go away. Pause.</i>]</p> - -<p>Z<small>OB</small> [<i>to the Tartar</i>] Oh-ho! Spring will soon be <span -class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-50">[Pg 50]</a></span>here, little brother, -and it’ll be quite warm. In the villages the peasants are already making ready their -ploughs and harrows, preparing to till . . . and we . . . Hassan? -Snoring already? Damned Mohammedan!</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Tartars love sleep!</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small> [<i>in centre of room, staring in front of him</i>] What am I -to do now?</p> - -<p>Z<small>OB</small>. Lie down and sleep—that’s all . . .</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small> [<i>softly</i>] But—she . . . how about -. . .</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>No one answers him. Satine and the Actor enter.</i>]</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small> [<i>yelling</i>] Old man! Come here, my trusted -Duke of Kent!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Miklookha-Maklai is coming—ho-ho!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. It has been decided upon! Old man, where’s the -town—where are you?</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Fata Morgana, the old man bilked you from top to bottom! There’s -nothing—no towns—no people—nothing at all!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. You lie!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> T<small>ARTAR</small> [<i>jumping up</i>] Where’s the boss? I’m -going to the boss. If I can’t sleep, I won’t pay! Corpses—drunkards . . . -[<i>Exit quickly</i>]</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Satine looks after him and whistles.</i>]</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small> [<i>in a sleepy voice</i>] Go to bed, boys—be quiet -. . . night is for sleep . . .</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. Yes—so—there’s a corpse here. . . . -“Our net fished up a corpse. . . .” Verses—by BĂ©ranger. . . .</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small> [<i>screams</i>] The dead can’t hear . . . the dead do -not feel—Scream!—Roar! . . . the dead don’t hear!</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>In the doorway appears Luka.</i>]</p> - -<p class="end_of_act">CURTAIN.</p> -</div> - -<div class="chapter" id="Act_Three_div"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-51">[Pg 51]</a></span></p> - -<h3><a id="Act_Three" href="#Act_Three_toc">ACT THREE.</a></h3> - -<div class="setting"> -<p class="italics">“The Waste,” a yard strewn with rubbish and overgrown with weeds. Back, -a high brick wall which shuts out the sight of the sky. Near it are elder bushes. Right, -the dark, wooden wall of some sort of house, barn or stable. Left, the grey, tumbledown -wall of Kostilyoff’s night asylum. It is built at an angle so that the further corner -reaches almost to the centre of the yard. Between it and the wall runs a narrow passage. -In the grey, plastered wall are two windows, one on a level with the ground, the other -about six feet higher up and closer to the brick wall. Near the latter wall is a big -sledge turned upside down and a beam about twelve feet long. Right of the wall is a heap -of old planks. Evening. The sun is setting, throwing a crimson light on the brick wall. -Early spring, the snow having only recently melted. The elder bushes are not yet in -bud.</p> - -<p class="italics">Natasha and Nastya are sitting side by side on the beam. Luka and the -Baron are on the sledge. Kleshtch is stretched on the pile of planks to the right. -Bubnoff’s face is at the ground floor window.</p> -</div> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small> [<i>with closed eyes, nodding her head in rhythm to the tale she -is telling in a sing-song voice</i>] So then at night he came into the garden. I had been -waiting for him quite a while. I trembled with fear and grief—he trembled, too -. . . he was as white as chalk—and he had the pistol in his hand -. . .</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small> [<i>chewing sun-flower seeds</i>] Oh—are these students really -such desperate fellows . . . ?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-52">[Pg 52]</a></span></p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small>. And he says to me in a dreadful voice: “My precious darling -. . .”</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Ho-ho! Precious—?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. Shut up! If you don’t like it, you can lump -it! But don’t interrupt her. . . . Go on . . .</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small>. “My one and only love,” he says, “my parents,” he says, “refuse -to give their consent to our wedding—and threaten to disown me because of my love for you. -Therefore,” he says, “I must take my life.” And his pistol was huge—and loaded with ten -bullets . . . “Farewell,” he says, “beloved comrade! I have made up my mind for -good and all . . . I can’t live without you . . .” and I replied: “My -unforgettable friend—my Raoul. . . .”</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small> [<i>surprised</i>] What? What? Krawl—did you call him—?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. Nastka! But last time his name was Gaston. -. . .</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small> [<i>jumping up</i>] Shut up, you bastards! Ah—you lousy mongrels! -You think for a moment that you can understand love—true love? My love was real -honest-to-God love! [<i>To the Baron</i>] You good-for-nothing! . . . educated, -you call yourself—drinking coffee in bed, did you?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Now, now! Wait, people! Don’t interfere! Show a little respect to -your neighbors . . . it isn’t the word that matters, but what’s in back of the -word. That’s what matters! Go on, girl! It’s all right!</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Go on, crow! See if you can make your feathers white!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. Well—continue!</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. Pay no attention to them . . . what are they? They’re -just jealous . . . they’ve nothing to tell about themselves . . .</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small> [<i>sits down again</i>] I’m going to say no more! If they don’t -believe me they’ll laugh. [<i>Stops suddenly, is silent for a few seconds, then, shutting -her eyes,</i> <span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-53">[Pg -53]</a></span><i>continues in a loud and intense voice, swaying her hands as if to the -rhythm of far music</i>] And then I replied to him: “Joy of my life! My bright moon! And -I, too, I can’t live without you—because I love you madly, so madly—and I shall keep on -loving you as long as my heart beats in my bosom. But—” I say—“don’t take your young life! -Think how necessary it is to your dear parents whose only happiness you are. Leave me! -Better that I should perish from longing for you, my life! I alone! I—ah—as such, such! -Better that I should die—it doesn’t matter . . . I am of no use to the world—and -I have nothing, nothing at all—” [<i>Covers her face with her hand and weeps -gently</i>]</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small> [<i>in a low voice</i>] Don’t cry—don’t!</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Luka, smiling, strokes Nastya’s head.</i>]</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small> [<i>laughs</i>] Ah—you limb of Satan!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small> [<i>also laughs</i>] Hey, old man? Do you think -it’s true? It’s all from that book “Fatal Love” . . . it’s all nonsense! Let her -alone!</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. And what’s it to you? Shut up—or God’ll punish you!</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small> [<i>bitterly</i>] God damn your soul! You worthless pig! -Soul—bah!—you haven’t got one!</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small> [<i>takes Nastya’s hand</i>] Come, dear! It’s nothing! Don’t be -angry—I know—I believe you! You’re right, not they! If you believe you had a real love -affair, then you did—yes! And as for him—don’t be angry with a fellow-lodger -. . . maybe he’s really jealous, and that’s why he’s laughing. Maybe he never -had any real love—maybe not—come on—let’s go!</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small> [<i>pressing her hand against her breast</i>] Grandfather! So -help me God—it happened! It happened! He was a student, a Frenchman—Gastotcha was his -name—he had a little black beard—and patent leathers—may God strike me dead if I’m lying! -And he loved me so—my God, how he loved me!</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Yes, yes, it’s all right. I believe you! Patent <span -class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-54">[Pg 54]</a></span>leathers, you said? -Well, well, well—and you loved him, did you? [<i>Disappears with her around the -corner</i>]</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. God—isn’t she a fool, though? She’s -good-hearted—but such a fool—it’s past belief!</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. And why are people so fond of lying—just as if they were up -before the judge—really!</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. I guess lying is more fun than speaking the truth—I, too -. . .</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. What—you, too? Go on!</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. Oh—I imagine things—invent them—and I wait—</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. For what?</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small> [<i>smiling confusedly</i>] Oh—I think that -perhaps—well—to-morrow somebody will really appear—some one—oh—out of the ordinary—or -something’ll happen—also out of the ordinary. . . . I’ve been waiting for -it—oh—always. . . . But, really, what is there to wait for? [<i>Pause</i>]</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small> [<i>with a slight smile</i>] Nothing—I expect -nothing! What is past, is past! Through! Over with! And then what?</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. And then—well—to-morrow I imagine suddenly that I’ll die—and I -get frightened . . . in summer it’s all right to dream of death—then there are -thunder storms—one might get struck by lightning . . .</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. You’ve a hard life . . . your -sister’s a wicked-tempered devil!</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. Tell me—does anybody live happily? It’s hard for all of us—I -can see that . . .</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small> [<i>who until this moment has sat motionless and indifferent, -jumps up suddenly</i>] For all? You lie! Not for all! If it were so—all right! Then it -wouldn’t hurt—yes!</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. What in hell’s bit you? Just listen to him yelping!</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Kleshtch lies down again and grunts.</i>]</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-55">[Pg 55]</a></span></p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. Well—I’d better go and make my peace with -Nastinka—if I don’t, she won’t treat me to vodka . . .</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Hm—people love to lie . . . with Nastka—I can see the -reason why. She’s used to painting that mutt of hers—and now she wants to paint her soul -as well . . . put rouge on her soul, eh? But the others—why do they? Take Luka -for instance—he lies a lot . . . and what does he get out of it? He’s an old -fellow, too—why does he do it?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small> [<i>smiling and walking away</i>] All people -have drab-colored souls—and they like to brighten them up a bit . . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small> [<i>appearing from round the corner</i>] You, sir, why do you tease -the girl? Leave her alone—let her cry if it amuses her . . . she weeps for her -own pleasure—what harm is it to you?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. Nonsense, old man! She’s a nuisance. Raoul -to-day, Gaston to-morrow—always the same old yarn, though! Still—I’ll go and make up with -her. [<i>Leaves</i>]</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. That’s right—go—and be nice to her. Being nice to people never -does them any harm . . .</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. You’re so good, little father—why are you so good?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Good, did you say? Well—call it that! [<i>Behind the brick wall is -heard soft singing and the sounds of a concertina</i>] Some one has to be kind, girl—some -one must pity people! Christ pitied everybody—and he said to us: “Go and do likewise!” I -tell you—if you pity a man when he most needs it, good comes of it. Why—I used to be a -watchman on the estate of an engineer near Tomsk—all right—the house was right in the -middle of a forest—lonely place—winter came—and I remained all by myself. Well—one night I -heard a noise—</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. Thieves?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-56">[Pg 56]</a></span></p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Exactly! Thieves creeping in! I took my gun—I went out. I looked -and saw two of them opening a window—and so busy that they didn’t even see me. I yell: -“Hey there—get out of here!” And they turn on me with their axes—I warn them to stand -back, or I’d shoot—and as I speak, I keep on covering them with my gun, first the one, -then the other—they go down on their knees, as if to implore me for mercy. And by that -time I was furious—because of those axes, you see—and so I say to them: “I was chasing -you, you scoundrels—and you didn’t go. Now you go and break off some stout branches!”—and -they did so—and I say: “Now—one of you lie down and let the other one flog him!” So they -obey me and flog each other—and then they begin to implore me again. “Grandfather,” they -say, “for God’s sake give us some bread! We’re hungry!” There’s thieves for you, my dear! -[<i>Laughs</i>] And with an ax, too! Yes—honest peasants, both of them! And I say to them, -“You should have asked for bread straight away!” And they say: “We got tired of asking—you -beg and beg—and nobody gives you a crumb—it hurts!” So they stayed with me all that -winter—one of them, Stepan, would take my gun and go shooting in the forest—and the other, -Yakoff, was ill most of the time—he coughed a lot . . . and so the three of us -together looked after the house . . . then spring came . . . -“Good-bye, grandfather,” they said—and they went away—back home to Russia -. . .</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. Were they escaped convicts?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. That’s just what they were—escaped convicts—from a Siberian prison -camp . . . honest peasants! If I hadn’t felt sorry for them—they might have -killed me—or maybe worse—and then there would have been trial and prison and afterwards -Siberia—what’s the sense of it? Prison teaches no good—and Siberia doesn’t either—but -another human being can <span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-57">[Pg -57]</a></span>. . . yes, a human being can teach another one kindness—very -simply! [<i>Pause</i>]</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Hm—yes—I, for instance, don’t know how to lie . . . -why—as far as I’m concerned, I believe in coming out with the whole truth and putting it -on thick . . . why fuss about it?</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small> [<i>again jumps up as if his clothes were on fire, and -screams</i>] What truth? Where is there truth? [<i>Tearing at his ragged clothes</i>] -Here’s truth for you! No work! No strength! That’s the only truth! Shelter—there’s no -shelter! You die—that’s the truth! Hell! What do I want with the truth? Let me breathe! -Why should I be blamed? What do I want with truth? To live—Christ Almighty!—they won’t let -you live—and that’s another truth!</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. He’s mad!</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Dear Lord . . . listen to me, brother—</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small> [<i>trembling with excitement</i>] They say: there’s truth! -You, old man, try to console every one . . . I tell you—I hate every one! And -there’s your truth—God curse it—understand? I tell you—God curse it!</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Rushes away round the corner, turning as he goes.</i>]</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Ah—how excited he got! Where did he run off to?</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. He’s off his head . . .</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. God—didn’t he say a whole lot, though? As if he was playing -drama—he gets those fits often . . . he isn’t used to life yet -. . .</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>comes slowly round the corner</i>] Peace on all this honest -gathering! Well, Luka, you wily old fellow—still telling them stories?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. You should have heard how that fellow carried on!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Kleshtch—wasn’t it? What’s wrong with him? He was running like -one possessed!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-58">[Pg 58]</a></span></p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. You’d do the same if your own heart were breaking!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>sitting down</i>] I don’t like him . . . he’s got -such a nasty, bad temper—and so proud! [<i>Imitating Kleshtch</i>] “I’m a workman!” And he -thinks everyone’s beneath him. Go on working if you feel like it—nothing to be so damned -haughty about! If work is the standard—a horse can give us points—pulls like hell and says -nothing! Natasha—are your folks at home?</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. They went to the cemetery—then to night service -. . .</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. So that’s why you’re free for once—quite a novelty!</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small> [<i>to Bubnoff, thoughtfully</i>] There—you say—truth! Truth -doesn’t always heal a wounded soul. For instance, I knew of a man who believed in a land -of righteousness . . .</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. In what?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. In a land of righteousness. He said: “Somewhere on this earth -there must be a righteous land—and wonderful people live there—good people! They respect -each other, help each other, and everything is peaceful and good!” And so that man—who was -always searching for this land of righteousness—he was poor and lived miserably—and when -things got to be so bad with him that it seemed there was nothing else for him to do -except lie down and die—even then he never lost heart—but he’d just smile and say: “Never -mind! I can stand it! A little while longer—and I’ll have done with this life—and I’ll go -in search of the righteous land!”—it was his one happiness—the thought of that land -. . .</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Well? Did he go there?</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Where? Ho-ho!</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. And then to this place—in Siberia, by the way—there came a -convict—a learned man with books <span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-59">[Pg -59]</a></span>and maps—yes, a learned man who knew all sorts of things—and the other man -said to him: “Do me a favor—show me where is the land of righteousness and how I can get -there.” At once the learned man opened his books, spread out his maps, and looked and -looked and he said—no—he couldn’t find this land anywhere . . . everything was -correct—all the lands on earth were marked—but not this land of righteousness -. . .</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>in a low voice</i>] Well? Wasn’t there a trace of it?</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Bubnoff roars with laughter.</i>]</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. Wait . . . well, little father?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. The man wouldn’t believe it. . . . “It must exist,” he -said, “look carefully. Otherwise,” he says, “your books and maps are of no use if there’s -no land of righteousness.” The learned man was offended. “My plans,” he said, “are -correct. But there exists no land of righteousness anywhere.” Well, then the other man got -angry. He’d lived and lived and suffered and suffered, and had believed all the time in -the existence of this land—and now, according to the plans, it didn’t exist at all. He -felt robbed! And he said to the learned man: “Ah—you scum of the earth! You’re not a -learned man at all—but just a damned cheat!”—and he gave him a good wallop in the eye—then -another one . . . [<i>After a moment’s silence</i>] And then he went home and -hanged himself!</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>All are silent. Luka, smiling, looks at Pepel and -Natasha.</i>]</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>low-voiced</i>] To hell with this story—it isn’t very cheerful -. . .</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. He couldn’t stand the disappointment . . .</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small> [<i>sullen</i>] Ah—it’s nothing but a fairy-tale -. . .</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Well—there is the righteous land for you—doesn’t exist, it seems -. . .</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-60">[Pg 60]</a></span></p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. I’m sorry for that man . . .</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. All a story—ho-ho!—land of righteousness—what an idea! [<i>Exit -through window</i>]</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small> [<i>pointing to window</i>] He’s laughing! [<i>Pause</i>] Well, -children, God be with you! I’ll leave you soon . . .</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Where are you going to?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. To the Ukraine—I heard they discovered a new religion there—I want -to see—yes! People are always seeking—they always want something better—God grant them -patience!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. You think they’ll find it?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. The people? They will find it! He who seeks, will find! He who -desires strongly, will find!</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. If only they could find something better—invent something -better . . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. They’re trying to! But we must help them girl—we must respect them -. . .</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. How can I help them? I am helpless myself!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>determined</i>] Again—listen—I’ll speak to you again, -Natasha—here—before him—he knows everything . . . run away with me?</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. Where? From one prison to another?</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. I told you—I’m through with being a thief, so help me God! I’ll -quit! If I say so, I’ll do it! I can read and write—I’ll work—He’s been telling me to go -to Siberia on my own hook—let’s go there together, what do you say? Do you think I’m not -disgusted with my life? Oh—Natasha—I know . . . I see . . . I console -myself with the thought that there are lots of people who are honored and respected—and -who are bigger thieves than I! But what good is that to me? It isn’t that I repent -. . . I’ve no conscience . . . but I do feel one thing: One must live -differently. One must live a better life . . . one must be able to respect one’s -own self . . .</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-61">[Pg 61]</a></span></p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. That’s right, friend! May God help you! It’s true! A man must -respect himself!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. I’ve been a thief from childhood on. Everybody always called me -“Vaska—the thief—the son of a thief!” Oh—very well then—I am a thief— . . . just -imagine—now, perhaps, I’m a thief out of spite—perhaps I’m a thief because no one ever -called me anything different. . . . Well, Natasha—?</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small> [<i>sadly</i>] Somehow I don’t believe in words—and I’m restless -to-day—my heart is heavy . . . as if I were expecting something . . . -it’s a pity, Vassily, that you talked to me to-day . . .</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. When should I? It isn’t the first time I speak to you -. . .</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. And why should I go with you? I don’t love you so very -much—sometimes I like you—and other times the mere sight of you makes me sick -. . . it seems—no—I don’t really love you . . . when one really loves, -one sees no fault. . . . But I do see . . .</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Never mind—you’ll love me after a while! I’ll make you care for -me . . . if you’ll just say yes! For over a year I’ve watched you -. . . you’re a decent girl . . . you’re kind—you’re reliable—I’m very -much in love with you . . .</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Vassilisa, in her best dress, appears at window and -listens.</i>]</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. Yes—you love me—but how about my sister . . . ?</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>confused</i>] Well, what of her? There are plenty like her -. . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. You’ll be all right, girl! If there’s no bread, you have to eat -weeds . . .</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>gloomily</i>] Please—feel a little sorry for me! My life isn’t -all roses—it’s a hell of a life . . . little happiness in it . . . I -feel as if a swamp were sucking me under . . . and whatever I try to catch and -hold on to, is rotten . . . it breaks . . . Your sister—oh—I <span -class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-62">[Pg 62]</a></span>thought she was -different . . . if she weren’t so greedy after money . . . I’d have -done anything for her sake, if she were only all mine . . . but she must have -someone else . . . and she has to have money—and freedom . . . because -she doesn’t like the straight and narrow . . . she can’t help me. But you’re -like a young fir-tree . . . you bend, but you don’t break . . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Yes—go with him, girl, go! He’s a good lad—he’s all right! Only -tell him every now and then that he’s a good lad so that he won’t forget it—and he’ll -believe you. Just you keep on telling him “Vasya, you’re a good man—don’t you forget it!” -Just think, dear, where else could you go except with him? Your sister is a savage beast -. . . and as for her husband, there’s little to say of him? He’s rotten beyond -words . . . and all this life here, where will it get you? But this lad is -strong . . .</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. Nowhere to go—I know—I thought of it. The only thing is—I’ve no -faith in anybody—and there’s no place for me to turn to . . .</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Yes, there is! But I won’t let you go that way—I’d rather cut -your throat!</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small> [<i>smiling</i>] There—I’m not his wife yet—and he talks already -of killing me!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>puts his arms around her</i>] Come, Natasha! Say yes!</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small> [<i>holding him close</i>] But I’ll tell you one thing, -Vassily—I swear it before God . . . the first time you strike me or hurt me any -other way, I’ll have no pity on myself . . . I’ll either hang myself -. . . or . . .</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. May my hand wither if ever I touch you!</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Don’t doubt him, dear! He needs you more than you need him!</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small> [<i>from the window</i>] So now they’re engaged! Love and -advice!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-63">[Pg 63]</a></span></p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. They’ve come back—oh, God—they saw—oh, Vassily -. . .</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Why are you frightened? Nobody’ll dare touch you now!</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. Don’t be afraid, Natalia! He won’t beat you . . . -he don’t know how to love or how to beat . . . I know!</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small> [<i>in a low voice</i>] Rotten old hag—like a snake in the grass -. . .</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. He dares only with the word!</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small> [<i>enters</i>] Natashka! What are you doing here, you -parasite? Gossiping? Kicking about your family? And the samovar not ready? And the table -not cleared?</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small> [<i>going out</i>] I thought you were going to church -. . . ?</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small>. None of your business what we intended doing! Mind your own -affairs—and do what you’re told!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Shut up, you! She’s no longer your servant! Don’t go, -Natalia—don’t do a thing!</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. Stop ordering me about—you’re commencing too soon! -[<i>Leaves</i>]</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>to Kostilyoff</i>] That’s enough. You’ve used her long -enough—now she’s mine!</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small>. Yours? When did you buy her—and for how much?</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Vassilisa roars with laughter.</i>]</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Go away, Vasya!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Don’t laugh, you fools—or first thing you know I’ll make you -cry!</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. Oh, how terrible! Oh—how you frighten me!</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Vassily—go away! Don’t you see—she’s goading you on -. . . ridiculing you, don’t you understand . . . ?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-64">[Pg 64]</a></span></p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Yes . . . You lie, lie! You won’t get what you -want!</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. Nor will I get what I don’t want, Vasya!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>shaking his fist at her</i>] We’ll see . . . -[<i>Exit</i>]</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small> [<i>disappearing through window</i>] I’ll arrange some wedding -for you . . .</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small> [<i>crossing to Luka</i>] Well, old man, how’s -everything?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. All right!</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small>. You’re going away, they say—?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Soon.</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small>. Where to?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. I’ll follow my nose . . .</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small>. Tramping, eh? Don’t like stopping in one place all the time, -do you?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Even water won’t pass beneath a stone that’s sunk too firmly in -the ground, they say . . .</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small>. That’s true for a stone. But man must settle in one place. -Men can’t live like cockroaches, crawling about wherever they want. . . . A man -must stick to one place—and not wander about aimlessly . . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. But suppose his home is wherever he hangs his hat?</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small>. Why, then—he’s a vagabond,—useless . . . a human -being must be of some sort of use—he must work . . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. That’s what you think, eh?</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small>. Yes—sure . . . just look! What’s a vagabond? A -strange fellow . . . unlike all others. If he’s a real pilgrim then he’s some -good in the world . . . perhaps he discovered a new truth. Well—but not every -truth is worth while. Let him keep it to himself and shut up about it! Or else—let him -speak in a way which no one can understand . . . don’t let him interfere -. . . don’t let him stir up people without cause! It’s none of his business how -other people live! Let him follow his own righteous path . . . in the woods—or -<span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-65">[Pg 65]</a></span>in a -monastery—away from everybody! He mustn’t interfere—nor condemn other people—but pray—pray -for all of us—for all the world’s sins—for mine—for yours—for everybody’s. To pray—that’s -why he forsakes the world’s turmoil! That’s so! [<i>Pause</i>] But you—what sort of a -pilgrim are you—? An honest person must have a passport . . . all honest people -have passports . . . yes . . . !</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. In this world there are people—and also just plain men -. . .</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small>. Don’t coin wise sayings! Don’t give me riddles! I’m as -clever as you . . . what’s the difference—people and men?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. What riddle is there? I say—there’s sterile and there’s fertile -ground . . . whatever you sow in it, grows . . . that’s all -. . .</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small>. What do you mean?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Take yourself for instance . . . if the Lord God himself -said to you: “Mikhailo, be a man!”—it would be useless—nothing would come of it—you’re -doomed to remain just as you are . . .</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small>. Oh—but do you realize that my wife’s uncle is a policeman, -and that if I . . .</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small> [<i>coming in</i>] Mikhail Ivanitch—come and have your tea -. . .</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small> [<i>to Luka</i>] You listen! Get out! You leave this -place—hear?</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. Yes—get out, old man! Your tongue’s too long! And—who -knows—you may be an escaped convict . . .</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small>. If I ever see sign of you again after to-day—well—I’ve -warned you!</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. You’ll call your uncle, eh? Go on—call him! Tell him you’ve caught -an escaped convict—and maybe uncle’ll get a reward—perhaps all of three kopecks -. . .</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-66">[Pg 66]</a></span></p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small> [<i>in the window</i>] What are you bargaining about? Three -kopecks—for what?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. They’re threatening to sell me . . .</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small> [<i>to her husband</i>] Come . . .</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. For three kopecks? Well—look out, old man—they may even do it -for one!</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small> [<i>to Bubnoff</i>] You have a habit of jumping up like a -jack-in-the-box!</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. The world is full of shady people and crooks—</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Hope you’ll enjoy your tea!</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small> [<i>turning</i>] Shut up! You rotten toadstool!</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Leaves with her husband.</i>]</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. I’m off to-night.</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. That’s right. Don’t outstay your welcome!</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. True enough.</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. I know. Perhaps I’ve escaped the gallows by getting away in -time . . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Well?</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. That’s true. It was this way. My wife took up with my boss. He -was great at his trade—could dye a dog’s skin so that it looked like a raccoon’s—could -change cat’s skin into kangaroo—muskrats, all sorts of things. Well—my wife took up with -him—and they were so mad about each other that I got afraid they might poison me or -something like that—so I commenced beating up my wife—and the boss beat me . . . -we fought savagely! Once he tore off half my whiskers—and broke one of my ribs -. . . well, then I, too, got enraged. . . . I cracked my wife over the -head with an iron yard-measure—well—and altogether it was like an honest-to-God war! And -then I saw that nothing really could come of it . . . they were planning to get -the best of me! So I started planning—how to kill my wife—I thought of it a whole lot -. . . but I thought better of it just in time . . . and got away -. . .</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. That was best! Let them go on changing dogs into raccoons!</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Only—the shop was in my wife’s name . . . and so I -did myself out of it, you see? Although, to tell the truth, I would have drunk it away -. . . I’m a hard drinker, you know . . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. A hard drinker—oh . . .</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. The worst you ever met! Once I start drinking, I drink -everything in sight, I’ll spend every bit of money I have—everything except my bones and -my skin . . . what’s more, I’m lazy . . . it’s terrible how I hate -work!</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Enter Satine and the Actor, quarreling.</i>]</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Nonsense! You’ll go nowhere—it’s all a damned lie! Old man, what -did you stuff him with all those fairy-tales for?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. You lie! Grandfather! Tell him that he lies!—I -am going away. I worked to-day—I swept the streets . . . and I didn’t have a -drop of vodka. What do you think of that? Here they are—two fifteen kopeck pieces—and I’m -sober!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Why—that’s absurd! Give it to me—I’ll either drink it up—or lose -it at cards . . .</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. Get out—this is for my journey -. . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small> [<i>to Satine</i>] And you—why are you trying to lead him -astray?</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Tell me, soothsayer, beloved by the Gods, what’s my future going -to be? I’ve gone to pieces, brother—but everything isn’t lost yet, grandfather -. . . there are sharks in this world who got more brains than I!</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. You’re cheerful, Constantine—and very agreeable!</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Actor, come over here! [<i>The Actor crosses to window, sits -down on the sill before Bubnoff, and speaks in a low voice with him</i>]</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. You know, brother, I used to be a clever <span -class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-68">[Pg 68]</a></span>youngster. It’s nice to -think of it. I was a devil of a fellow . . . danced splendidly, played on the -stage, loved to amuse people . . . it was awfully gay . . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. How did you get to be what you are?</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. You’re inquisitive, old man! You want to know everything? What -for?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. I want to understand the ways of men—I look at you, and I don’t -understand. You’re a bold lad, Constantine, and you’re no fool . . . yet, all of -a sudden . . .</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. It’s prison, grandfather—I spent four years and seven months in -prison . . . afterwards—where could I go?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Aha! What were you there for?</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. On account of a scoundrel—whom I killed in a fit of rage -. . . and despair . . . and in prison I learned to play cards -. . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. You killed—because of a woman?</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Because of my own sister. . . . But look here—leave me -alone! I don’t care for these cross-examinations—and all this happened a long time ago. -It’s already nine years since my sister’s death. . . . Brother, she was a -wonderful girl . . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. You take life easily! And only a while ago that locksmith was -here—and how he did yell!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Kleshtch?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small>. Yes—“There’s no work,” he shouted; “there isn’t anything -. . .”</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. He’ll get used to it. What could I do?</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small> [<i>softly</i>] Look—here he comes!</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Kleshtch walks in slowly, his head bowed low.</i>]</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Hey, widower! Why are you so down in the mouth? What are you -thinking?</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. I’m thinking—what’ll I do? I’ve no food—nothing—the funeral -ate up all . . .</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. I’ll give you a bit of advice . . . do nothing! Just -be a burden to the world at large!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-69">[Pg 69]</a></span></p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. Go on—talk—I’d be ashamed of myself . . .</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Why—people aren’t ashamed to let you live worse than a dog. Just -think . . . you stop work—so do I—so do hundreds, thousands of -others—everybody—understand?—everybody’ll quit working . . . nobody’ll do a -damned thing—and then what’ll happen?</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. They’ll all starve to death . . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small> [<i>to Satine</i>] If those are your notions, you ought to join the -order of Begunes—you know—there’s some such organization . . .</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. I know—grandfather—and they’re no fools . . .</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Natasha is heard screaming behind Kostilyoff’s window: “What for? -Stop! What have I done?”</i>]</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small> [<i>worried</i>] Natasha! That was she crying—oh, God -. . .</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>From Kostilyoff’s room is heard noise, shuffling, breaking of -crockery, and Kostilyoff’s shrill cry: “Ah! Heretic! Bitch!”</i>]</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. Wait, wait—I’ll teach her—there, there!</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. They’re beating me—killing me . . .</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small> [<i>shouts through the window</i>] Hey—you -there—. . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small> [<i>trembling</i>] Where’s Vassily—? Call Vaska—oh, God—listen, -brothers . . .</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small> [<i>running out</i>] I’ll find him at once!</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. They beat her a lot these days . . .</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Come on, old man—we’ll be witnesses . . .</p> - -<p>L<small>UKA</small> [<i>following Satine</i>] Oh—witnesses—what for? Vassily—he should -be called at once!</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. Sister—sister dear! Va-a-a . . .</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. They’ve gagged her—I’ll go and see . . .</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>The noise in Kostilyoff’s room dies down gradually as if they had -gone into the hallway. The old man’s cry:</i> <span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" -id="page-70">[Pg 70]</a></span><i>“Stop!” is heard. A door is slammed noisily, and the -latter sound cuts off all the other noises sharply. Quiet on the stage. Twilight.</i>]</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small> [<i>seated on the sledge, indifferently, rubbing his hands; -mutters at first indistinguishably, then:</i>] What then? One must live. [<i>Louder</i>] -Must have shelter—well? There’s no shelter, no roof—nothing . . . there’s only -man—man alone—no hope . . . no help . . .</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Exit slowly, his head bent. A few moments of ominous silence, -then somewhere in the hallway a mass of sounds, which grows in volume and comes nearer. -Individual voices are heard.</i>]</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. I’m her sister—let go . . .</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small>. What right have you . . . ?</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. Jail-bird!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Call Vaska—quickly! Zob—hit him!</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>A police whistle. The Tartar runs in, his right hand in a -sling.</i>]</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> T<small>ARTAR</small>. There’s a new law for you—kill only in -daytime!</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Enter Zob, followed by Miedviedieff.</i>]</p> - -<p>Z<small>OB</small>. I handed him a good one!</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. You—how dare you fight?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> T<small>ARTAR</small>. What about yourself? What’s your duty?</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small> [<i>running after</i>] Stop—give back my whistle!</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small> [<i>runs in</i>] Abram! Stop him! Hold him! He’s a -murderer—he . . .</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Enter Kvashnya and Nastya supporting Natasha who is disheveled. -Satine backs away, pushing away Vassilisa who is trying to attack her sister, while, near -her, Alyoshka jumps up and down like a madman, whistles into her ear, shrieking, roaring. -Also other ragged men and women.</i>]</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small> [<i>to Vassilisa</i>] Well—you damned bitch!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-71">[Pg 71]</a></span></p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. Let go, you jail-bird! I’ll tear you to pieces—if I have to -pay for it with my own life!</p> - -<p>K<small>VASHNYA</small> [<i>leading Natasha aside</i>] You—Karpovna—that’s enough—stand -back—aren’t you ashamed? Or are you crazy?</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small> [<i>seizes Satine</i>] Aha—caught at last!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Zob—beat them up! Vaska—Vaska . . .</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>They all, in a chaotic mass, struggle near the brick wall. They -lead Natasha to the right, and set her on a pile of wood. Pepel rushes in from the hallway -and, silently, with powerful movements, pushes the crowd aside.</i>]</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Natalia, where are you . . . you . . .</p> - -<p>K<small>OSTILYOFF</small> [<i>disappearing behind a corner</i>] Abram! Seize Vaska! -Comrades—help us get him! The thief! The robber!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. You—you old bastard! [<i>Aiming a terrific blow at Kostilyoff. -Kostilyoff falls so that only the upper part of his body is seen. Pepel rushes to -Natasha</i>]</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. Beat Vaska! Brothers! Beat the thief!</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small> [<i>yells to Satine</i>] Keep out of this—it’s a family -affair . . . they’re relatives—and who are you . . .</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>to Natasha</i>] What did she do to you? She used a knife?</p> - -<p>K<small>VASHNYA</small>. God—what beasts! They’ve scalded the child’s feet with boiling -water!</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small>. They overturned the samovar . . .</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> T<small>ARTAR</small>. Maybe an accident—you must make sure—you -can’t exactly tell . . .</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small> [<i>half fainting</i>] Vassily—take me away—</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. Good people! Come! Look! He’s dead! Murdered!</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>All crowd into the hallway near Kostilyoff. Bubnoff leaves the -crowd and crosses to Pepel.</i>]</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small> [<i>in a low voice, to Pepel</i>] Vaska—the old man is done -for!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-72">[Pg 72]</a></span></p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>looks at him, as though he does not understand</i>] Go—for -help—she must be taken to the hospital . . . I’ll settle with them -. . .</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. I say—the old man—somebody’s killed him . . .</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>The noise on the stage dies out like a fire under water. -Distinct, whispered exclamations: “Not really?” “Well—let’s go away, brothers!” “The -devil!” “Hold on now!” “Let’s get away before the police comes!” The crowd disappears. -Bubnoff, the Tartar, Nastya, and Kvashnya, rush up to Kostilyoff’s body.</i>]</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small> [<i>rises and cries out triumphantly</i>] Killed—my husband’s -killed! Vaska killed him! I saw him! Brothers, I saw him! Well—Vasya—the police!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small> [<i>moves away from Natasha</i>] Let me alone. [<i>Looks at -Kostilyoff; to Vassilisa</i>] Well—are you glad? [<i>Touches the corpse with his foot</i>] -The old bastard is dead! Your wish has been granted! Why not do the same to you? -[<i>Throws himself at her</i>]</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Satine and Zob quickly overpower him, and Vassilisa disappears in -the passage.</i>]</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Come to your senses!</p> - -<p>Z<small>OB</small>. Hold on! Not so fast!</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small> [<i>appearing</i>] Well, Vaska, dear friend? You can’t escape -your fate. . . . Police—Abram—whistle!</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. Those devils tore my whistle off!</p> - -<p>A<small>LYOSHKA</small>. Here it is! [<i>Whistles, Miedviedieff runs after him</i>]</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small> [<i>leading Pepel to Natasha</i>] Don’t be afraid, Vaska! Killed -in a row! That’s nonsense—only manslaughter—you won’t have to serve a long term -. . .</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. Hold Vaska—he killed him—I saw it!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. I, too, gave the old man a couple of blows—he was easily fixed -. . . you call me as witness, Vaska!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. I don’t need to defend myself . . . I want to drag -Vassilisa into this mess—and I’ll do it—she <span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" -id="page-73">[Pg 73]</a></span>was the one who wanted it . . . she was the one -who urged me to kill him—she goaded me on . . .</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small> [<i>sudden and loud</i>] Oh—I understand—so that’s it, Vassily? -Good people! They’re both guilty—my sister and he—they’re both guilty! They had it all -planned! So, Vassily, that’s why you spoke to me a while ago—so that she should overhear -everything—? Good people! She’s his mistress—you know it—everybody knows it—they’re both -guilty! She—she urged him to kill her husband—he was in their way—and so was I! And now -they’ve maimed me . . .</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Natalia! What’s the matter with you? What are you saying?</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Oh—hell!</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small>. You lie. She lies. He—Vaska killed him . . .</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small>. They’re both guilty! God damn you both!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. What a mix-up! Hold on, Vassily—or they’ll ruin you between -them!</p> - -<p>Z<small>OB</small>. I can’t understand it—oh—what a mess!</p> - -<p>P<small>EPEL</small>. Natalia! It can’t be true! Surely you don’t believe that I—with -her—</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. So help me God, Natasha! Just think . . .</p> - -<p>V<small>ASSILISA</small> [<i>in the passage</i>] They’ve killed my husband—Your -Excellency! Vaska Pepel, the thief, killed him. Captain! I saw it—everybody saw it -. . .</p> - -<p>N<small>ATASHA</small> [<i>tossing about in agony; her mind wandering</i>] Good -people—my sister and Vaska killed him! The police—listen—this sister of mine—here—she -urged, coaxed her lover—there he stands—the scoundrel! They both killed him! Put them in -jail! Bring them before the judge! Take me along, too! To prison! Christ Almighty—take me -to prison, too!</p> - -<p class="end_of_act">CURTAIN.</p> -</div> - -<div class="chapter" id="Act_Four_div"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-74">[Pg 74]</a></span></p> - -<h3><a id="Act_Four" href="#Act_Four_toc">ACT FOUR.</a></h3> - -<div class="setting"> -<p class="italics">Same as Act I. But Pepel’s room is no longer there, and the partition -has been removed. Furthermore, there is no anvil at the place where Kleshtch used to sit -and work. In the corner, where Pepel’s room used to be, the Tartar lies stretched out, -rather restless, and groaning from time to time. Kleshtch sits at one end of the table, -repairing a concertina and now and then testing the stops. At the other end of the table -sit Satine, the Baron, and Nastya. In front of them stand a bottle of vodka, three bottles -of beer, and a large loaf of black bread. The Actor lies on top of the stove, shifting -about and coughing. It is night. The stage is lit by a lamp in the middle of the table. -Outside the wind howls.</p> -</div> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. Yes . . . he disappeared during the confusion and -noise . . .</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. He vanished under the very eyes of the -police—just like a puff of smoke . . .</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. That’s how sinners flee from the company of the righteous!</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small>. He was a dear old soul! But you—you aren’t men—you’re -just—oh—like rust on iron!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small> [<i>drinks</i>] Here’s to you, my lady!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. He was an inquisitive old fellow—yes! Nastenka here fell in love -with him . . .</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small>. Yes! I did! Madly! It’s true! He saw everything—understood -everything . . .</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small> [<i>laughing</i>] Yes, generally speaking, I would say that he -was—oh—like mush to those who can’t chew. . . .</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-75">[Pg 75]</a></span></p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small> [<i>laughing</i>] Right! Like plaster on a -boil!</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. He was merciful—you people don’t know what pity means -. . .</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. What good can I do you by pitying you?</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. You needn’t have pity—but you needn’t harm or offend your -fellow-beings, either!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> T<small>ARTAR</small> [<i>sits up on his bunk, nursing his wounded -hand carefully</i>] He was a fine old man. The law of life was the law of his heart -. . . and he who obeys this law, is good, while he who disregards it, perishes -. . .</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. What law, Prince?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> T<small>ARTAR</small>. There are a number—different ones—you know -. . .</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. Proceed!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> T<small>ARTAR</small>. Do not do harm unto others—such is the -law!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Oh—you mean the Penal Code, criminal and correctional, eh?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. And also the Code of Penalties inflicted by -Justices of the Peace!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> T<small>ARTAR</small>. No. I mean the Koran. It is the supreme -law—and your own soul ought to be the Koran—yes!</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small> [<i>testing his concertina</i>] It wheezes like all hell! But -the Prince speaks the truth—one must live abiding by the law—by the teachings of the -Gospels . . .</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Well—go ahead and do it!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. Just try it!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> T<small>ARTAR</small>. The Prophet Mohammed gave to us the law. He -said: “Here is the law! Do as it is written therein!” Later on a time will arrive when the -Koran will have outlived its purpose—and time will bring forth its own laws—every -generation will create its own . . .</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. To be sure! Time passed on—and gave <span class="pagenum"><a -class="newpage" id="page-76">[Pg 76]</a></span>us—the Criminal Code . . . It’s a -strong law, brother—it won’t wear off so very soon!</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small> [<i>banging her glass on the table</i>] Why—why do I stay -here—with you? I’ll go away somewhere—to the ends of the world!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. Without any shoes, my lady?</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small>. I’ll go—naked, if must be—creeping on all fours!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. That’ll be rather picturesque, my lady—on all -fours!</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small>. Yes—and I’ll crawl if I have to—anything at all—as long as I -don’t have to see your faces any longer—oh, I’m so sick of it all—the life—the -people—everything!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. When you go, please take the actor along—he’s preparing to go to -the very same place—he has learned that within a half mile’s distance of the end of the -world there’s a hospital for diseased organons . . .</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small> [<i>raising his head over the top of the -stove</i>] A hospital for organisms—you fool!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. For organons—poisoned with vodka!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. Yes! He will go! He will indeed! You’ll -see!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. Who is he, sir?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. I!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. Thanks, servant of the goddess—what’s her -name—? The goddess of drama—tragedy—whatever is her name—?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. The muse, idiot! Not the goddess—the muse!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Lachesis—Hera—Aphrodite—Atropos—oh! To hell with them all! You -see—Baron—it was the old man who stuffed the actor’s head full with this rot -. . .</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. That old man’s a fool . . .</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. Ignoramuses! Beasts! Melpomene—that’s her -name! Heartless brutes! Bastards! You’ll <span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" -id="page-77">[Pg 77]</a></span>see! He’ll go! “On with the orgy, dismal -spirits!”—poem—ah—by BĂ©ranger! Yes—he’ll find some spot where there’s no—no -. . .</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. Where there’s nothing, sir?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. Right! Nothing! “This hole shall be my grave—I -am dying—ill and exhausted . . .” Why do you exist? Why?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. You! God or genius or orgy—or whatever you -are—don’t roar so loud!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. You lie! I’ll roar all I want to!</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small> [<i>lifting her head from the table and throwing up her -hands</i>] Go on! Yell! Let them listen to you!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. Where is the sense, my lady?</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Leave them alone, Baron! To hell with the lot! Let them yell—let -them knock their damned heads off if they feel like it! There’s a method in their madness! -Don’t you go and interfere with people as that old fellow did! Yes—it’s he—the damned old -fool—he bewitched the whole gang of us!</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. He persuaded them to go away—but failed to show them the road -. . .</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. That old man was a humbug!</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small>. Liar! You’re a humbug yourself!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. Shut up, my lady!</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. The old man didn’t like truth very much—as a matter of fact he -strongly resented it—and wasn’t he right, though? Just look—where is there any truth? And -yet, without it, you can’t breathe! For instance, our Tartar Prince over there, crushed -his hand at his work—and now he’ll have to have his arm amputated—and there’s the truth -for you!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small> [<i>striking the table with his clenched fist</i>] Shut up! You -sons of bitches! Fools! Not another word about that old fellow! [<i>To the Baron</i>] You, -Baron, are the worst of the lot! You don’t understand a thing, and you lie like the devil! -The old man’s no humbug! What’s the truth? Man! Man—that’s the truth! He <span -class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-78">[Pg 78]</a></span>understood man—you -don’t! You’re all as dumb as stones! I understand the old man—yes! He lied—but lied out of -sheer pity for you . . . God damn you! Lots of people lie out of pity for their -fellow-beings! I know! I’ve read about it! They lie—oh—beautifully, inspiringly, -stirringly! Some lies bring comfort, and others bring peace—a lie alone can justify the -burden which crushed a workman’s hand and condemns those who are starving! I know what -lying means! The weakling and the one who is a parasite through his very weakness—they -both need lies—lies are their support, their shield, their armor! But the man who is -strong, who is his own master, who is free and does not have to suck his neighbors’ -blood—he needs no lies! To lie—it’s the creed of slaves and masters of slaves! Truth is -the religion of the free man!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. Bravo! Well spoken! Hear, hear! I agree! You -speak like an honest man!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. And why can’t a crook at times speak the truth—since honest -people at times speak like crooks? Yes—I’ve forgotten a lot—but I still know a thing or -two! The old man? Oh—he’s wise! He affected me as acid affects a dirty old silver coin! -Let’s drink to his health! Fill the glasses . . . [<i>Nastya fills a glass with -beer and hands it to Satine, who laughs</i>] The old man lives within himself -. . . he looks upon all the world from his own angle. Once I asked him: -“Grand-dad, why do people live?” [<i>Tries to imitate Luka’s voice and gestures</i>] And -he replied: “Why, my dear fellow, people live in the hope of something better! For -example—let’s say there are carpenters in this world, and all sorts of trash -. . . people . . . and they give birth to a carpenter the like of -which has never been seen upon the face of the earth . . . he’s way above -everybody else, and has no equal among carpenters! The brilliancy of his personality was -reflected on all his trade, on all the other carpenters, so that they advanced twenty -years <span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-79">[Pg 79]</a></span>in one day! -This applies to all other trades—blacksmiths and shoemakers and other workmen—and all the -peasants—and even the aristocrats live in the hopes of a higher life! Each individual -thinks that he’s living for his own Self, but in reality he lives in the hope of something -better. A hundred years—sometimes longer—do we expect, live for the finer, higher life -. . .” [<i>Nastya stares intently into Satine’s face. Kleshtch stops working and -listens. The Baron bows his head very low, drumming softly on the table with his fingers. -The Actor, peering down from the stove, tries to climb noiselessly into the bunk</i>] -“Every one, brothers, every one lives in the hope of something better. That’s why we must -respect each and every human being! How do we know who he is, why he was born, and what he -is capable of accomplishing? Perhaps his coming into the world will prove to be our good -fortune . . . Especially must we respect little children! Children—need freedom! -Don’t interfere with their lives! Respect children!” [<i>Pause</i>]</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small> [<i>thoughtfully</i>] Hm—yes—something -better?—That reminds me of my family . . . an old family dating back to the time -of Catherine . . . all noblemen, soldiers, originally French . . . -they served their country and gradually rose higher and higher. In the days of Nicholas -the First my grandfather, Gustave DeBille, held a high post—riches—hundreds of serfs -. . . horses—cooks—</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small>. You liar! It isn’t true!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small> [<i>jumping up</i>] What? Well—go on—</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small>. It isn’t true.</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small> [<i>screams</i>] A house in Moscow! A house in -Petersburg! Carriages! Carriages with coats of arms!</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Kleshtch takes his concertina and goes to one side, watching the -scene with interest.</i>]</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small>. You lie!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. Shut up!—I say—dozens of footmen -. . .</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-80">[Pg 80]</a></span></p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small> [<i>delighted</i>] You lie!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. I’ll kill you!</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small> [<i>ready to run away</i>] There were no carriages!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Stop, Nastenka! Don’t infuriate him!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. Wait—you bitch! My grandfather -. . .</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small>. There was no grandfather! There was nothing!</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Satine roars with laughter.</i>]</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small> [<i>worn out with rage, sits down on bench</i>] -Satine! Tell that slut—what—? You, too, are laughing? You—don’t believe me either? -[<i>Cries out in despair, pounding the table with his fists</i>] It’s true—damn the whole -lot of you!</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small> [<i>triumphantly</i>] So—you’re crying? Understand now what a -human being feels like when nobody believes him?</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small> [<i>returning to the table</i>] I thought there’d be a fight -. . .</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> T<small>ARTAR</small>. Oh—people are fools! It’s too bad -. . .</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. I shall not permit any one to ridicule me! I -have proofs—documents—damn you!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Forget it! Forget about your grandfather’s carriages! You can’t -drive anywhere in a carriage of the past!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. How dare she—just the same—?</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small>. Just imagine! How dare I—?</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. You see—she does dare! How is she any worse than you are? -Although, surely, in her past there wasn’t even a father and mother, let alone carriages -and a grandfather . . .</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small> [<i>quieting down</i>] Devil take you—you do -know how to argue dispassionately—and I, it seems—I’ve no will-power . . .</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Acquire some—it’s useful . . . [<i>Pause</i>] Nastya! -Are you going to the hospital?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-81">[Pg 81]</a></span></p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small>. What for?</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. To see Natashka.</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small>. Oh—just woke up, did you? She’s been out of the hospital for -some time—and they can’t find a trace of her . . .</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Oh—that woman’s a goner!</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. It’s interesting to see whether Vaska will get the best of -Vassilisa, or the other way around—?</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small>. Vassilisa will win out! She’s shrewd! And Vaska will go to the -gallows!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. For manslaughter? No—only to jail . . .</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small>. Too bad—the gallows would have been better . . . -that’s where all of you should be sent . . . swept off into a hole—like filth -. . .</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small> [<i>astonished</i>] What’s the matter? Are you crazy?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. Oh—give her a wallop—that’ll teach her to be -less impertinent . . .</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small>. Just you try to touch me!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. I shall!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Stop! Don’t insult her! I can’t get the thought of the old man -out of my head! [<i>Roars with laughter</i>] Don’t offend your fellow-beings! Suppose I -were offended once in such a way that I’d remember it for the rest of my life? What then? -Should I forgive? No, no!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small> [<i>to Nastya</i>] You must understand that I’m -not your sort . . . you—ah—you piece of dirt!</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small>. You bastard! Why—you live off me like a worm off an apple!</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>The men laugh amusedly.</i>]</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. Fool! An apple—?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. You can’t be angry with her—she’s just an -ass—</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small>. You laugh! Liars? Don’t strike you as funny, eh?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small> [<i>morosely</i>] Give them a good beating!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-82">[Pg 82]</a></span></p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small>. If I only could! [<i>Takes a cup from the table and throws it on -the floor</i>] That’s what I’d like to do to you all!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> T<small>ARTAR</small>. Why break dishes—eh—silly girl?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small> [<i>rising</i>] That’ll do! I’ll teach her -manners in half a second!</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small> [<i>running toward door</i>] Go to hell!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small> [<i>calling after her</i>] Hey! That’s enough! Whom are you -trying to frighten? What’s all the row about, anyway?</p> - -<p>N<small>ASTYA</small>. Dogs! I hope you’ll croak! Dogs! [<i>Runs out</i>]</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small> [<i>morosely</i>] Amen!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> T<small>ARTAR</small>. Allah! Mad women, these Russians! They’re -bold, wilful; Tartar women aren’t like that! They know the law and abide by it. -. . .</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. She ought to be given a sound hiding!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. The slut!</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small> [<i>testing the concertina</i>] It’s ready! But its owner isn’t -here yet—that young fellow is burning his life away . . .</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Care for a drink—now?</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small>. Thanks . . . it’s time to go to bed -. . .</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Getting used to us?</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small> [<i>drinks, then goes to his bunk</i>] It’s all right -. . . there are people everywhere—at first you don’t notice it . . . -but after a while you don’t mind. . . .</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>The Tartar spreads some rags over his bunk, then kneels on them -and prays.</i>]</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small> [<i>to Satine, pointing at the Tartar</i>] -Look!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Stop! He’s a good fellow! Leave him alone! [<i>Roars with -laughter</i>] I feel kindly to-day—the devil alone knows the reason why -. . .</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. You always feel kindly when you’re -drunk—you’re even wiser at such times . . .</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. When I’m drunk? Yes—then I like everything—right—He <span -class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-83">[Pg 83]</a></span>prays? That’s fine! A -man may believe or not—that’s his own affair—a man is free—he pays for everything -himself—belief or unbelief—love—wisdom . . . a man pays for everything—and -that’s just why he’s free! Man is—truth! And what is man? It’s neither you nor I nor -they—oh, no—it’s you and they and I and the old man—and Napoleon—Mohammed—all in one! -[<i>Outlines vaguely in the air the contour of a human being</i>] Do you understand? It’s -tremendous! It contains the beginning and the end of everything—everything is in man—and -everything exists for him! Man alone exists—everything else is the creation of his hands -and his brain! Man! It is glorious! It sounds—oh—so big! Man must be respected—not -degraded with pity—but respected, respected! Let us drink to man, Baron! [<i>Rises</i>] It -is good to feel that you are a man! I’m a convict, a murderer, a crook—granted!—When I’m -out on the street people stare at me as if I were a scoundrel—they draw away from me—they -look after me and often they say: “You dog! You humbug! Work!” Work? And what for? to fill -my belly? [<i>Roars with laughter</i>] I’ve always despised people who worry too much -about their bellies. It isn’t right, Baron! It isn’t! Man is loftier than that! Man stands -above hunger!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. You—reason things out. . . . Well -and good—it brings you a certain amount of consolation. . . . Personally I’m -incapable of it . . . I don’t know how. [<i>Glances around him and then, softly, -guardedly</i>] Brother—I am afraid—at times. Do you understand? Afraid!—Because—what -next?</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Rot! What’s a man to be afraid of?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small> [<i>pacing up and down</i>] You know—as far -back as I can remember, there’s been a sort of fog in my brain. I was never able to -understand anything. Somehow I feel embarrassed—it seems to me that all my life I’ve done -nothing but change clothes—and why? <span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" -id="page-84">[Pg 84]</a></span>I don’t understand! I studied—I wore the uniform of the -Institute for the Sons of the Nobility . . . but what have I learned? I don’t -remember! I married—I wore a frock-coat—then a dressing-gown . . . but I chose a -disagreeable wife . . . and why? I don’t understand. I squandered everything -that I possessed—I wore some sort of a grey jacket and brick-colored trousers—but how did -I happen to ruin myself? I haven’t the slightest idea. . . . I had a position in -the Department of State. . . . I wore a uniform and a cap with insignia of rank. -. . . I embezzled government funds . . . so they dressed me in a -convict’s garb—and later on I got into these clothes here—and it all happened as in a -dream—it’s funny . . .</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Not very! It’s rather—silly!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. Yes—silly! I think so, too. Still—wasn’t I -born for some sort of purpose?</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small> [<i>laughing</i>] Probably—a man is born to conceive a better -man. [<i>Shaking his head</i>]—It’s all right!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small>. That she-devil Nastka! Where did she run to? -I’ll go and see—after all, she . . . [<i>Exit; pause</i>]</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small>. Tartar! [<i>Pause</i>] Prince! [<i>The Tartar -looks round</i>] Say a prayer for me . . .</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> T<small>ARTAR</small>. What?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small> [<i>softly</i>] Pray—for me!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> T<small>ARTAR</small> [<i>after a silence</i>] Pray for your own -self!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> A<small>CTOR</small> [<i>quickly crawls off the stove and goes to -the table, pours out a drink with shaking hands, drinks, then almost runs to passage</i>] -All over!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Hey, proud Sicambrian! Where are you going?</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Satine whistles. Miedviedieff enters, dressed in a woman’s -flannel shirt-waist; followed by Bubnoff. Both are slightly drunk. Bubnoff carries a bunch -of pretzels in one hand, a couple of smoked fish in the other, a bottle of vodka under one -arm, another bottle in his coat pocket.</i>]</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-85">[Pg 85]</a></span></p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. A camel is something like a donkey—only it has no ears. -. . .</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Shut up! You’re a variety of donkey yourself!</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. A camel has no ears at all, at all—it hears through its -nostrils . . .</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small> [<i>to Satine</i>] Friend! I’ve looked for you in all the -saloons and all the cabarets! Take this bottle—my hands are full . . .</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Put the pretzels on the table—then you’ll have one hand -free—</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Right! Hey—you donkey—look! Isn’t he a clever fellow?</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. All crooks are clever—I know! They couldn’t do a thing -without brains. An honest man is all right even if he’s an idiot . . . but a -crook must have brains. But, speaking about camels, you’re wrong . . . you can -ride them—they have no horns . . . and no teeth either . . .</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Where’s everybody? Why is there no one here? Come on out -. . . I treat! Who’s in the corner?</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. How soon will you drink up everything you have? Scarecrow!</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Very soon! I’ve very little this time. Zob—where’s Zob?</p> - -<p>K<small>LESHTCH</small> [<i>crossing to table</i>] He isn’t here . . .</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Waughrr! Bull-dog! Brr-zz-zz!—Turkey-cock! Don’t bark and don’t -growl! Drink—make merry—and don’t be sullen!—I treat everybody—Brother, I love to treat—if -I were rich, I’d run a free saloon! So help me God, I would! With an orchestra and a lot -of singers! Come, every one! Drink and eat—listen to the music—and rest in peace! -Beggars—come, all you beggars—and enter my saloon free of charge! Satine—you can have half -my capital—just like that!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. You better give me all you have straight away!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-86">[Pg 86]</a></span></p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. All my capital? Right now? Well—here’s a ruble—here’s twenty -kopecks—five kopecks—sun flower seeds—and that’s all!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. That’s splendid! It’ll be safer with me—I’ll gamble with it -. . .</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. I’m a witness—the money was given you for safe-keeping. -How much is it?</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. You? You’re a camel—we don’t need witnesses . . .</p> - -<p>A<small>LYOSHKA</small> [<i>comes in barefoot</i>] Brothers, I got my feet wet!</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Go on and get your throat wet—and nothing’ll happen—you’re a -fine fellow—you sing and you play—that’s all right! But it’s too bad you drink—drink, -little brother, is harmful, very harmful . . .</p> - -<p>A<small>LYOSHKA</small>. I judge by you! Only when you’re drunk do you resemble a human -being . . . Kleshtch! Is my concertina fixed? [<i>Sings and dances</i>]</p> - -<blockquote class="verse"> -<p class="i1">“If my mug were not so attractive,</p> - -<p class="i1a">My sweetheart wouldn’t love me at all . . .”</p> -</blockquote> - -<p class="noindent">Boys, I’m frozen—it’s cold . . .</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. Hm—and may I ask who’s this sweetheart?</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Shut up! From now on, brother, you are neither a policeman nor -an uncle!</p> - -<p>A<small>LYOSHKA</small>. Just auntie’s husband!</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. One of your nieces is in jail—the other one’s dying -. . .</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small> [<i>proudly</i>] You lie! She’s not dying—she -disappeared—without trace . . .</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Satine roars.</i>]</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. All the same, brothers—a man without nieces isn’t an uncle!</p> - -<p>A<small>LYOSHKA</small>. Your Excellency! Listen to the drummer of the retired -billygoats’ brigade! [<i>Sings</i>]</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-87">[Pg 87]</a></span></p> - -<blockquote class="verse"> -<p class="i2">“My sweetheart has money,</p> - -<p class="i2a">I haven’t a cent.</p> - -<p class="i2a">But I’m a cheerful,</p> - -<p class="i2a">Merry lad!”</p> -</blockquote> - -<p class="noindent">Oh—isn’t it cold!</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Enter Zob. From now until the final curtain men and women drift -in, undress, and stretch out on the bunks, grumbling.</i>]</p> - -<p>Z<small>OB</small>. Bubnoff! Why did you run off?</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Come here—sit down—brother, let’s sing my favorite ditty, -eh?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> T<small>ARTAR</small>. Night was made for sleep! Sing your songs in -the daytime!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. Well—never mind, Prince—come here!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> T<small>ARTAR</small>. What do you mean—never mind? There’s going to -be a noise—there always is when people sing!</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small> [<i>crossing to the Tartar</i>] Count—ah—I mean Prince—how’s -your hand? Did they cut it off?</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> T<small>ARTAR</small>. What for? We’ll wait and see—perhaps it won’t -be necessary . . . a hand isn’t made of iron—it won’t take long to cut it off -. . .</p> - -<p>Z<small>OB</small>. It’s your own affair, Hassanka! You’ll be good for nothing without -your hand. We’re judged by our hands and backs—without the pride of your hand, you’re no -longer a human being. Tobacco-carting—that’s your business! Come on—have a drink of -vodka—and stop worrying!</p> - -<p>K<small>VASHNYA</small> [<i>comes in</i>] Ah, my beloved fellow-lodgers! It’s horrible -outside—snow and slush . . . is my policeman here?</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. Right here!</p> - -<p>K<small>VASHNYA</small>. Wearing my blouse again? And drunk, eh? What’s the idea?</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small>. In celebration of Bubnoff’s birthday . . . -besides, it’s cold . . .</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-88">[Pg 88]</a></span></p> - -<p>K<small>VASHNYA</small>. Better look out—stop fooling about and go to sleep!</p> - -<p>M<small>IEDVIEDIEFF</small> [<i>goes to kitchen</i>] Sleep? I can—I want to—it’s -time—[<i>Exit</i>]</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. What’s the matter? Why are you so strict with him?</p> - -<p>K<small>VASHNYA</small>. You can’t be otherwise, friend. You have to be strict with his -sort. I took him as a partner. I thought he’d be of some benefit to me—because he’s a -military man—and you’re a rough lot . . . and I am a woman—and now he’s turned -drunkard—that won’t do at all!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. You picked a good one for partner!</p> - -<p>K<small>VASHNYA</small>. Couldn’t get a better one. You wouldn’t want to live with me -. . . you think you’re too fine! And even if you did it wouldn’t last more than -a week . . . you gamble me and all I own away at cards!</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small> [<i>roars with laughter</i>] That’s true, landlady—I’d gamble -. . .</p> - -<p>K<small>VASHNYA</small>. Yes, yes. Alyoshka!</p> - -<p>A<small>LYOSHKA</small>. Here he is—I, myself!</p> - -<p>K<small>VASHNYA</small>. What do you mean by gossiping about me?</p> - -<p>A<small>LYOSHKA</small>. I? I speak out everything—whatever my conscience tells me. -There, I say, is a wonderful woman! Splendid meat, fat, bones—over four hundred pounds! -But brains—? Not an ounce!</p> - -<p>K<small>VASHNYA</small>. You’re a liar! I’ve lot of brains! What do you mean by saying -I beat my policeman?</p> - -<p>A<small>LYOSHKA</small>. I thought you did—when you pulled him by the hair!</p> - -<p>K<small>VASHNYA</small> [<i>laughs</i>] You fool! You aren’t blind, are you? Why wash -dirty linen in public? And—it hurts his feelings—that’s why he took to drink -. . .</p> - -<p>A<small>LYOSHKA</small>. It’s true, evidently, that even a chicken likes vodka -. . .</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Satine and Kleshtch roar with laughter.</i>]</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-89">[Pg 89]</a></span></p> - -<p>K<small>VASHNYA</small>. Go on—show your teeth! What sort of a man are you anyway, -Alyoshka?</p> - -<p>A<small>LYOSHKA</small>. Oh—I am first-rate! Master of all trades! I follow my -nose!</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small> [<i>near the Tartar’s bunk</i>] Come on! At all events—we won’t -let you sleep! We’ll sing all night. Zob!</p> - -<p>Z<small>OB</small>. Sing—? All right . . .</p> - -<p>A<small>LYOSHKA</small>. And I’ll play . . .</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small>. We’ll listen!</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> T<small>ARTAR</small> [<i>smiling</i>] Well—Bubnoff—you devil—bring -the vodka—we’ll drink—we’ll have a hell of a good time! The end will come soon enough—and -then we’ll be dead!</p> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small>. Fill his glass, Satine! Zob—sit down! Ah—brothers—what does a -man need after all? There, for instance, I’ve had a drink—and I’m happy! Zob! Start my -favorite song! I’ll sing—and then I’ll cry. . . .</p> - -<p>Z<small>OB</small> [<i>begins to sing</i>]</p> - -<blockquote class="verse"> -<p class="i1">“The sun rises and sets . . .”</p> -</blockquote> - -<p>B<small>UBNOFF</small> [<i>joining in</i>]</p> - -<blockquote class="verse"> -<p class="i1">“But my prison is all dark. . . .”</p> -</blockquote> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Door opens quickly.</i>]</p> - -<p>T<small>HE</small> B<small>ARON</small> [<i>on the threshold; yells</i>] -Hey—you—come—come here! Out in the waste—in the yard . . . over there -. . . The actor—he’s hanged himself. . . .</p> - -<p class="direction">[<i>Silence. All stare at the Baron. Behind him appears Nastya, and -slowly, her eyes wide with horror, she walks to the table.</i>]</p> - -<p>S<small>ATINE</small> [<i>in a matter-of-fact voice</i>] Damned fool—he ruined the song -. . . !</p> - -<p class="end_of_act">CURTAIN.</p> -</div> - -<div class="chapter tnote" id="tnote_div"> -<h3 class="tnote" id="tnote"><a href="#tnote_toc">Transcriber’s Note</a></h3> - -<p>This transcription is based on images digitized by the University of Connecticut and -posted by the Internet Archive at:</p> - -<p class="center"><a -href="https://archive.org/details/lowerdepthsdrama00gork"> -archive.org/details/lowerdepthsdrama00gork</a></p> - -<p>In general, this transcription attempts to retain the formatting, punctuation and -spelling of the source text. The following changes were noted:</p> - -<ul> -<li>p. 8: I’m sick myself—poisoned with alchohol . . .—Changed “alchohol” to -“alcohol”.</li> - -<li>The portrait of Gorky originally between pages 26 and 27 was moved so that it appears -after page 28, between Acts One and Two.</li> - -<li>p. 50: S<small>ATINE</small> [<i>screams</i>] The dead can’t hear . . . the -dead do not feel—Scream!—Roar! . . . the deaf don’t hear!—A hand-written note in -the source images changed the word “deaf” to “dead”. To verify the change, translations by -David Magarshack, in <i>The Storm and Other Russian Plays</i> <a -href="https://openlibrary.org/works/OL5100117W/The_storm_and_other_Russian_plays">(New -York: Hill and Wang, 1960)</a>, Edwin Hopkins <a -href="https://archive.org/details/anightslodgings00hopkgoog">(first published in the -Winter 1905 issue of <i>Poet Lore</i> as “A Night’s Lodging”)</a>, and Laurence Irving <a -href="https://archive.org/details/lowerdepthsplayi00gorkiala">(London: T. Fisher Unwin, -1912?)</a> were checked. As a result, the line “the deaf don’t hear!” was changed to -“the dead don’t hear!”</li> - -<li>p. 72: You can’t escape your fate. . . . police—Abram—whistle!—Capitalized -“police” for consistency.</li> - -<li>p. 75: The law of life was the law of his heart. . . . and he who obeys this -law, is good—The period preceding the ellipsis was deleted for consistency.</li> -</ul> -</div> - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Lower Depths, by Maksim Gorky - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LOWER DEPTHS *** - -***** This file should be named 52468-h.htm or 52468-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/2/4/6/52468/ - -Produced by Paul Haxo with special thanks to the Internet -Archive and the University of Connecticut. - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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